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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

8
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 18, 1989
The Spectrum

Pretty good China followed by the best 80's OR 90's RIDER I've ever heard. Check Jer's run going into "sun gonna shine" verse. 5 stars fo RIDER alone.
2
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 4, 1982
Kiel Auditorium

Fast-picking goodness. Jerry's bridge solo is long and lightning quick and awesome. 1 point off for lyric flub on re-entry, but the rest is gold.
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
15
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
July 7, 1989
JFK Stadium

A great "clean" version. Very deliberate with on-the-beat flourishes, especially from Brent. If you like 'em precise and professional, this one shines.
St. Stephen
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

Agree w/you, YoungHead. Check out the 10/29/77 I recommended here. It's all subjective, of course, but while 5/8/77 is a fine show, I think there are a number of overrated songs in it, inc. the scarlet>fire and this Stephen. (Not that it's BAD--but best ever? I have to say 'no')
Row Jimmy
April 12, 1978
Cameron Indoor Stadium

Needs more votes. There is no other version in which the band collectively takes the 2nd bridge jam into such frenzied yet controlled jamming. 3-20-77 is probably the only one that beats it. Must-hear.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Nov. 1, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

This can be found on Dicks Picks #13 as a hidden track...very interesting transition jam--while it doesn't build to the crescendo that many others do, it gets into very spacey, Brent-led elements that are pretty mesmerizing. Unique version, if not a "best", certainly worth exploring.
Aiko Aiko
Sept. 14, 1982
University of Virginia

Jerry's lead on the intro, a relaxed but focused 2-minute groove makes this IKO one of the best I've ever heard. Very different from the more speeded-up late 80's versions--more relaxed--but not as slow and somewhat plodding as were the first few late 70's versions. Nice meld of the 2 styles.