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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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

Brokedown Palace
Oct. 14, 1977
Hofheinz Pavilion

Fine version from a generally overlooked show.
Dark Star
Oct. 12, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

All jam, no junk. Great flowing Jerry leads. This one surprised and delighted me. Upvote worthy for sure.
Darkness Jam
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

To be clear, I had no other category to list this under. Its closest to being just called a "jam" but it reads as PITB on the Denver road trips release, which isn't really accurate, even though it's technically part of the Playing sandwich in that great set. It's about 5 mins. of a mellow, in the pocket, perfectly rendered groove with hints of Dark Star....that comes out of El Paso and then just melts like butter into Wharf Rat. Needs to be recognized in the same way the '71 "Beautiful Jam" has been. A classic.
El Paso
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

Amazingly fluid Mexicalli-flavored lines by Jerry throughout this version. Does emerge seamlessly from PITB.
Brown Eyed Women
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

All true. Excellent Scarlet-Fire from this show, and one of the great 2d sets of the year. This BEW stands with many of the other greats from '77 including 11/4/77 and Barton.