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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

29
Candyman
Dec. 15, 1986
Oakland Coliseum Arena

Must hear b/c it's Jerry's first show back after the coma...crowd goes INSANE on "won't you tell everybody you meet that the Candyman's in town!"
14
Walking the Dog
April 8, 1985
The Spectrum

Midnite Hour>WTD>Big Boss Man to open the show-Wow!; Walkin' worth it just to hear Jerry sustain the vocal on "Pretty maids all in a Roooooooowww!"
9
I Need A Miracle
Jan. 10, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Flawless deliver by Weir followed by extended, bluesy, gritty Garcia jam
80
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Greatest STEPHEN ever Told. Jerry rips into a "St.Stephen" jam in the bridge jam before the reprise. 2d only to 8/27
37
Dark Star
Oct. 25, 1969
Winterland Arena

For those who don't care for the feedback/chase dog from the room DS's...this one is jazzy, jammy, rockin', & beautiful. No distortion; none needed

Comments

Bird Song
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Gotta up this one. Most 72s and 73s follow a familiar pattern (a great one) and this one does too but somehow sounds a little different. A little more energy in the interplay and buildup and resolution. Take maybe half a point off for Phil being too audible in the vocals (he's terrible on this song), but musically, instrumentally it's all there and then some. 6/22/73 is still the greatest of all time, but I'm glad to see this one near the top. Could use a few more votes, though.
Samson and Delilah
March 9, 1981
Madison Square Garden

This comes straight out of a ripping China>Rider and keeps the mojo movin'. Brent, Jerry, everyone in high gear.
The Music Never Stopped
Jan. 10, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Would add too that this show is a sadly overlooked and underrated monster. First rate renditions also of Miracle, Shakedown, & Dark Star.
Shakedown Street
Oct. 25, 1979
New Haven Coliseum

Absolutely thinks this kicks the living snot out of Merriweather and would love to see it knock 6/30/85 outta the top spot. Probably won't happen but IMO the true funk is found in this killer version and the jam is consistently hot ALL the way thru, not just at the end as everyone seems to say is the case on 6/30/85. Not to mention way better vocals (Jerry in '85? Come on), and just an all-around much grittier, tighter, spot-on version of Shake here in New Haven.
Hey Pocky Way
Oct. 3, 1987
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Upvote needed here fer certain. This stands up w/some of the best Neville Bros. renditions. The boys were heavily into the Crescent City sound in '87 and it shows here.