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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23529


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

Here Comes Sunshine
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

Ed, don't forget 2/23/74...truly I think the #1 even tho' it's not in that slot.
Terrapin Station
Nov. 1, 1977
Cobo Arena

Top contender for most underrated Terrapin out there. Could make a similar argument for this being a very under the radar show for '77.
Estimated Prophet
March 29, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

Should've upped this ages ago. No Branford backlash here...I love his contributions on every Dead tune he ever sat in on, so much so that I overlooked how much vibrancy he adds to this Estimated. Deserves its high ranking.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 27, 1990
The Zenith

Easy to overlook but don’t. Mickey & Billy do a sick roll into Jerry’s “northbound train” line and there’s a ton of energetic jamming in the transition. Winner version.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

Big thanks to y’all on the Matrix. Gives some needed oomph to one of my favorite all time combos