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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

Morning Dew
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

@LuckyKentucky All the vocals on the original Europe '72 release were dubbed in later as post-production in studio. I believe 5/26 is the version that appears on Europe '72 but the vocals are dubbed.
Friend of the Devil
Sept. 27, 1972
Stanley Theatre

This one is a joy to listen to. Feels acoustic even tho' it's electric...like a jug band version in some ways and Jerry's sweet vocals are perfect. Great rendition when you want something different than the ballad-like slow versions.
Friend of the Devil
Sept. 27, 1972
Stanley Theatre

This one is a joy to listen to. Feels acoustic even tho' it's electric...like a jug band version in some ways and Jerry's sweet vocals are perfect. Great rendition when you want something different than the ballad-like slow versions.
Eyes Of The World
June 8, 1977
Winterland Arena

Agree this version gets overlooked. Spun it again the other day and was mesmerized by the flowing, beautiful near 4 minute intro alone and the rest is pretty great too. It doesn't reach the jamming intensity of 10/29/77 or the intricate jazz signatures of some '73 and '74 versions but I bumped it up here for its under-ratedness. It is worthy!
Shakedown Street
April 17, 1982
Hartford Civic Center

More votes indeed. This version is so smooth and well-executed it may get overlooked for not being as "explosive" as some others--like, perhaps, the vastly (IMHO) overrated 6-30-85. Compare that with Jerry's far silkier and confident vocals in this version, and the terrific jazz feel that floats this one along on wings, and you'll see. Brent and Jerry also play off each other beautifully here and the whole band is on target. 1982 was a great year for Shakedown and this is one of its best.