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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23517


Submissions

10
Beat it on Down The Line
March 22, 1990
Copps Coliseum

A breezy bouncin' bubbly Bobby Beat it...best of the 90's.
8
El Paso
March 27, 1972
Academy of Music

Jerry in serious bluegrass mode. Most country-westernized version ever. At the end Phil sez "Thanks, Texans" even tho' they're in NYC. Awesome version
22
Let It Grow
Sept. 19, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Hornsby gets on board in a big way & Jerry jazzes up the jam sections. Weir slashes away & sings w/passion. Strong candidate for Best of the 90's.
3
Desolation Row
April 17, 1987
Irvine Meadows

This song was only as good as Bobby was committed to it, and on this night he was 100% in Dylan-idoling mode. Gorgeous rendeition, lovingly sung.
9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic

Comments

Sugar Magnolia
June 22, 1973
Pacific Coliseum

Very odd to me this doesn't have more votes. Bob's vocals are a little raspy but he doesn't push anything too far in trying to hit the high notes and the jamming is fire iron hot....Keith adds some delicious touches along the way ... there's really no reason for this version to be sitting in single digits
Greatest Story Ever Told
May 12, 1981
Veterans' Memorial Coliseum

like this whole show--underrated
Terrapin Station
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

Should get a well deserved bump from the DaP50 release. Shame on me for not adding my vote sooner. Really excellent mellow flowing Terrapin
Terrapin Station
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

Should get a well deserved bump from the DaP50 release. Shame on me for not adding my vote sooner. Really excellent mellow flowing Terrapin
Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again
Oct. 16, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Ignore 7/7/89's ranking as #1--yes, it's a fine version--give it a listen and put it in your rotation, but having really gotten into this song lately THIS is the one. Bob's relaxed reading as the initial verses are sung is beautifully paced and timed on purpose to hold back for the latter half where he really lets loose in all his Bob glory and it's all nailed down tight In terms of flow, ease, & lyrical reading. There's also some fine instrumental breaks featuring great work by Brent and Jerry.... this really should be occupying the number one slot+. bonus points for Bobby wink-winking with the reading of the verse: "...and here I sit so patiently waiting to find out what price...you have to pay to get out of...going through all these things twice--TWICE.....oooooohhhMammma...." that's how ya give the nod to ol' Zimmer right there.