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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

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.

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.