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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

26
Scarlet Begonias
Oct. 3, 1976
Cobo Arena

No clean SBD on archive but at official Dead site a pristine version was on 30 days of Dead for DL. 2d best stand-alone I've heard next to 3-20-77
64
Pretty Peggy O
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

DP Vol. 29...Each time I think I've heard the best (i.e. 12/27/77) I hear one better. This is it. Flowing, gorgeous Jerry bridge jam. Perfection.
4
Don't Ease Me In
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Proves the boys could really swing when they wanted to. Hear Jerry on "The Girl I Love" line; like 'Gator Alley--1980 a good year for this tune
31
Not Fade Away
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Insane. Ridiculous. Drummers locked in, Garcia in take-no-prisoners mode. 16+ minutes of full-bore Rock to the G-D Roll.
127
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Most pristine version I've ever heard. So smooth, so clear. Keith leads the way, Jerry brings it home. . Essential for all Wharf Rat fans

Comments

Bird Song
Nov. 19, 1972
Hofheinz Pavilion

A recent re-listening has me back to add that because there's no "bad" version of tbhis song in 1972 it's the versions that do stand out if even a little that warrant extra attention, because so many are so good that some get lost in the mix. What makes this one stand out for me is the approach to the mid-song drum break & the slightly mellower drop-down into that transition point, a subtle but noticeable veering from what you hear in most versions around this mark in the tune. Garcia takes a bit of a wander from the ,main theme but deftly finds his way back & the song takes on more of an exploratory feel as a result. So much laid back goodness in this one, a recommendation for fans of the classic 6/22/73 but with its own distinct dreamy quality.
Bird Song
March 26, 1987
Hartford Civic Center

I'll get on this bandwagon. I know the official releases sometimes get an undeserved bump but in a case like this the nice balance between board & crowd really does help shine a light on a very strong late 80's style BirdJam. There are multiple peaks of varying degree & approach & all are worthy of the audience appreciation they receive. Not my favorite year for this tune by a long shot but this one deserves some big board love.
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

^Joining the Happy Birthday celebration for my favorite all time show, too. Also this is a great RORose.
He's Gone
May 12, 1980
Boston Garden

One of THE best "nothing left to do but smile smile SMILE!!" vocals Jerry ever did. Rest of this underrated monster cooks & percolates too. Dead always rocked the gah-din.
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 31, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Intro to this undervalued lightning fast played Jerry note-upon -note-fest is unreal. Phil follows hot on Jerry's heels. This has a lot in common with 11/5/79 (see up the ladder) but that one's more relaxed...this one's like a '79 version of Colgate 11/4/77. Speedy but in in the pocket so. Could use more ears.