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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect

Comments

Row Jimmy
March 20, 1977
Winterland Arena

I go back and forth between this one and 4-12-78 as to which is best...both feature unreal Jerry guitar work before "broken heart" refrain...this one a tad cleaner than Duke U....both outstanding.
Jack Straw
Jan. 11, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

My first-ever show, and this "Jack Straw" is what got me on the bus for good. Nice call.
Morning Dew
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Ditto. Have yet to hear a more powerful version, at least vocally (Barton Hall maybe has the better jam). This one is as emotional as it gets. Brilliant version ending one of the best 2d sets of all time.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

can't believe this isn't #1 all-time with the most votes. Both bridge jams are monsters. Beats 5/7/77 (which is excellent) by a country mile
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Excellent choice and yes, a very underrated version. Unique in a very short transition jam but that leaves Jerry to expand on the opening riffs of "fire" instead. Really great version, often overlooked.