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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

20
Eyes Of The World
April 3, 1982
The Scope

Unlike nearly every other '80's version, this one isn't all speeded out and rushed; instead it's groovy, jazzy, intricate, very pretty for its time
18
Promised Land
Nov. 11, 1973
Winterland Arena

Yep...too rocking a tune to be ignored. Hard to beat this one, especially as kick-off of trio: Promised>Bertha>GSET
44
Fire On The Mountain
July 13, 1985
Ventura County Fairgrounds

Extremely rare stand-alone "Fire"...2nd song, first set, and a real barn-burner!
4
Deal
Oct. 30, 1977
Assembly Hall - Indiana University

Garcia's solos roll like lightning & rock like thunder. Sings it w/gusto, too. Not to be missed.
56
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

The very definition of "underrated." Almost lost to time& yet it kills. No flubbed verses, great steady reggae jams;perfect transition. Please try it.

Comments

Samson and Delilah
June 24, 1985
River Bend Music Center

Best Jerry background vocals ever for this song. Hecka jammed out too.
They Love Each Other
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Maybe the best ever of Jerry's "fast version" solos...jazz gem. 1/4 point off for a typical Garcia lyrical flub but that's the only thing keeping this one from perfection. Call it a one-hitter instead of a perfect game, but it deserves to rise in the standings
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
Nov. 1, 1977
Cobo Arena

As raucous as many listed higher and far far greater than many if them, too. Five votes is way to few for this gem.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 19, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

Just lightning quick mesmerizing finger picking from Jerry on the transition into Rider, one of the best I've heard in any era. Jerome's vocals are, well, it''s '84 so temper your expectations, but he does nail the lyrics and the whole combo is an underrated gem likely to get more deserved accolades being on the new DaP.
Ramble On Rose
Sept. 20, 1990
Madison Square Garden

As a confirmed MIDI hater I have to admit the best part of this excellent version is Jerry's mid-"trumpet" solo courtesy of the gizmo thingy. 9 times out of 10 that gadget is a poor substitute for a real Garcia guitar solo but here it's simply triumphant. Jer also gets points for trying his best (& succeeding) in nailing down all the lyrics in the venue where he most needs to get tt right, & while the 1990 croaky strain in his vox is evident, it doesn't stop him or the band from pulling off a good-'un.