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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

Jack Straw
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

^^^^Thanks all for the recs...have tried them all now & I think the matrix works best but even that suffers from too much high-endy sound...very treble heavy and other sources sound murky. Too bad b/c this really is a fine show & I'd love to hear some clean copies.
Jack Straw
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

What's the best source for this show? It looks like a real sleeper but every version I've heard so far is pretty poor sound-wise.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
June 12, 1980
Memorial Coliseum

Tell ya one thing: I've never heard a version with a better intro to "Scarlet". Full on Brent/Bobby/Jerry rhythm funk, almost 2 mins worth. Rest of the combo rips pretty well, too. If you're looking for a sleeper pick S>F that's inexplicably in the lower rungs, you've found it.
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 22, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

These uber early ‘71 versions are a hoot. Fast paced saloon swagger whiskey barroom fun.
Stella Blue
July 27, 1982
Red Rocks Ampitheatre

Such a great year for this tune and if you're looking for a crooner's delight Jerry vocal this is your Stella. Everything about this version shines.