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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23534


Submissions

25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
45
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
28
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
13
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.
35
Promised Land
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

New #1 version--all time best. This is a stretched-out jam-fest for a song usually given the quick-off. Killer fills from Hornsby. MUST HEAR!

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