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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

13
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
52
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.
13
Gloria
Oct. 16, 1981
Melkweg

Bobby's birthday at the world famous Melkeweg. Yummy brownies make this version extra special.

Comments

Space
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Hard to believe this is where it is on the board but then again “space” gets overlooked in general (guilty of that myself) but this a space to actually listen to and not be bored or turned off by cacophony for its own sake. Plus it’s integral to the set itself with the elements of PITB & UJB weaved in & out & ultimately into an all time Dew. Great rhythm devils here & a spooky but beautiful tone. Up it.
China Doll
Oct. 14, 1980
Warfield Theater

^^^^^that’s exactly why. Appreciate nailing down the date this one is still my fave over every electric.
Eyes Of The World
Nov. 14, 1978
Boston Music Hall

^^^^i went back and gave this a hard listen knowing I’d love it bc of the year (can’t think of a “bad” version anywhere from 77-78 ) but I’ve overlooked this one due to the sound issues but the AUD isn’t terrible and worth fighting thru less than stellar reproduction to hear a really lovely rendition, and this is. Another sleeper Eyes that gets short shrift due to no SBD is 6/4/77 which is an awesome show in its own right in dire need of a clean SBD
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 23, 1982
Greek Theatre, U. Of California

agree with all the above comments but would add too that the transition into Fire is a thing of patient, colorful beauty...glides in slowly like a mind meld version before starting the fire theme on a dime. Very nice.
Uncle John's Band
July 15, 1984
Greek Theatre - University of California

Feels like finding a 20$ bill you forgot about in a side pocket of your jacket. Sweet as honey intro leads into a river flow version that’s light & airy on Brent’s twinkly keys, the first bridge jam is long & jazzy & the outro material gets down dirty jammy. Never would have stopped on this show for a great UJB & was more than pleasantly surprised.