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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

49
Jack Straw
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

There are longer versions, but none has a better bridge jam than this one. My favorite version ever--must listen!
88
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 24, 1974
Winterland Arena

Hard-charging drumming from Billy leads the way. Best MLB jam in this pairing I've ever heard. Hard to believe it wasn't listed yet.
37
Cassidy
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Intense build-up jam, perfect touch-down. Weir absolutely nails it. My favorite version all-time
21
Shakedown Street
Jan. 10, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Laser-focused, perfect rendition, start to finish. Super-funky with awesome Jerry fuzz-guitar, rock-blues jamming post-vocals
12
Candyman
March 24, 1988
Omni Coliseum

Lucky enough to be at this show. Candyman blew everyone away--best song played that night. Awesome trippy guitar jam &Jer belts out vocals

Comments

Eyes Of The World
March 29, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

Have loved this version for so long I only recently remembered I never voted for it! Shame to take it for granted. Just such a brilliant meeting of the musical minds, Branford sounds like he's been with the band since Day 1. It's not as intense as some other versions, and really no one expects Jerry to go off like he did in '77 or '74, but his maturity and the whole band's pacing in this rendition make it an all-time classic that stands up to any version in any era. Gorgeous.
Row Jimmy
April 18, 1987
Irvine Meadows

Was at all 3 of these Irvine shows...really fun time, although you sure can see a drop-off in the exploratory jamming mode in '87 in favor of shorter "get to the point" numbers. This RJ is kind of an exception as Jerry is clearly enjoying what he's up to, especially in the final stanzas.
Mountain Jam
July 28, 1973
Grand Prix Racecourse

Should have and would have if I'd been more on the ball. Was just listening the other day to the birdsong and wharf rat from the soundcheck and delighted at how great it was. This is killer mt jam stuff!
They Love Each Other
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

@ freedomhall You probably already know it but just in case you don't my all time favorite show is 10/29/77. I'll certainly brainstorm others and would appreciate your recommendations as well!
They Love Each Other
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Absolutely! This is one of those "assumed it was there already " versions. Peppy and self-assured early rendition. A fine pick!