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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23517


Submissions

8
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 27, 1982
Oakland Auditorium

Seek out the CM SBD (2d set only). This is a fine combo w/Brent & Jer driving Scarlet & Phil prominent in Fire. '82 was a sweet year for S>F!
7
The Other One
Oct. 12, 1977
Manor Downs

Another roaring out of the gate and sustained thereafter 01 that should not be ignored. '77 had its great share & this is one of 'em. Heavy on Phil!
9
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

While I prefer the 1977 BEWs overall this one is excellent for its speed & precision & Jerry nailing all the lyrics w/ gusto! Don't overlook this gem!
4
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

The overlooked European tour. Love Jer's voice for this song in '81.Hangs an extra vocal note or 2 on the chilly winds don't blow refrain. Great stuff
5
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

One of the earliest live versions ever and boy oh boy is Jerry into it. Belts out the lyrics. Quick tempo & a real joy to hear!

Comments

Dancin' in the Streets
April 27, 1985
Frost Amphitheatre

Garcia's long slinky solo on this waaaay underrated version harkens back to some of the pickin' he did on the tune in the heydey of 1970, no joke. I like Brent's harmonies better here too altho' take a point off if you like for Bobby's oddly less than energetic lead vocal--not terrible by any means but as an opener it coulda been a bit peppier. Nitpicking really tho'...this is a fine rendition especially for the era and should go higher w/the new Dap49 release
Truckin'
July 5, 1978
Omaha Civic Auditorium

just some grind it down funky grunge jamming by Jerry on the outro--Bobby throws down some nice rhythm too--sleeper pick on the board at below 20 votes when i got here
Brother Esau
April 14, 1984
Hampton Coliseum

Dirty slinky funky filthy.
The Music Never Stopped
Oct. 3, 1976
Cobo Arena

Also hearing/digging that MLB-ish jam in the slowed down middle section b4 they kick things into high gear for the end jam. Great '76 version--stands up to a lot of others, even some '77s, & deserves a higher spot
Let It Grow
Aug. 29, 1980
The Spectrum

If my favorite version of this tune is 5-1-81 (and it is), this is the prequel--the origin superhero story if you will...Jerry flying all over the place with note after note but in total control of the thread and Bobby keeps up, as does the rest of the band. It's the Spectrum so you know it's a grand performance (always rising to the occasion at the big city venues like MSG & The Gahden in Boston), and damn if this isn't drastically underappreciated at less than 10 measly votes. Do yourself a favor and crank this one up and tell me it doesn't deserve your upvote.