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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Nov. 30, 1979
Stanley Theater

Maybe someone else knows a version that features this, but I sure don't. The bonus jam is lengthy and indeed hot and just when you think for all the world they're coming out of it with "Wind in the willows", instead it's "Aint nothin' right but I've never been wrong" with everyone on cue! It's truly the only time i've ever heard them do this...then after that you get a shorter but still nice jam prior to "wind in the willows". Not sure if this was all by design or adjustments made on the fly. Probably the latter, but unique version for sure.
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 4, 1977
Cotterell Gym - Colgate University

Jerry finishes the last line "and it looks like the old man's gettin' on..." and then adds "yes it does." Sweet version indeed.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Sept. 10, 1991
Madison Square Garden

Grossly underrated. Branford sounds like he's been playing this one his whole career. Bruce is right on, and Phil is driving the train. Tight and energetic--best 90's version i've ever heard.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 1, 1979
Holleder Memorial Stadium

Please clear the area--this FIRE has gone completely out of control.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

Glad you re-visited this one. So many great shows in May '77 this one easily gets overshadowed (so does 5/13, Chicago), and this Scarlet>Fire bears the price. I think this one is Top 5 for the year, easy.