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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.

Comments

Turn On Your Love Light
March 29, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

New release shines the light on why this Branford show resides in legendary territory but it was evident even beforehand.
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 18, 1974
Parc des Expositions

Always grateful, CC...agree totally on the Miles influence...Buddy & Davis. They were so steeped in Jazz during the '73-'74 days there's just tons of exploring to do in songs like PITB, HCS, Eyes, and of course, the Dark Stars from this period.
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 18, 1974
Parc des Expositions

Hey Carrion (and all), I was just digging this version today and what I'm hearing around that 11:00 mark is (and I have no proof but I would place a sizable bet on it) a pretty distinct reading led by Jerry and Phil of Sly's "Thankuforlettinmebemiceelfagain")...this whole version is great w/lots of jazzy jamming and not so much an acid meltdown as some out of the box exploring...but I would love to hear others' take on that distinct moment of stop & start funk that sounds an awful lot to me like the beginnings of that Sly & the Family Stone staple (which Jerry & co. would've been more than familiar with, as it came out in 1969.) No matter what it is, it's pretty cool!
Spanish Jam
Oct. 17, 1974
Winterland Arena

Just under 2 minutes but may be my favorite one ever because it's just so damn perfect. Not a note wasted and Billy really drives this one with some incredible drumming. Fantastic pick & one that would make Miles proud.
Feelin' Groovy Jam
Feb. 24, 1974
Winterland Arena

Yep. Part of what could be the finest ChinaRider ever performed.