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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

28
Playin' In The Band
May 11, 1972
Rotterdam Civic Hall

Sometimes shorter is better. At around 10 mins. this beauty from E'72 packs the jazz, jam, passion. Like a more intense version of the one on ACE!
26
Scarlet Begonias
Oct. 3, 1976
Cobo Arena

No clean SBD on archive but at official Dead site a pristine version was on 30 days of Dead for DL. 2d best stand-alone I've heard next to 3-20-77
66
Pretty Peggy O
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

DP Vol. 29...Each time I think I've heard the best (i.e. 12/27/77) I hear one better. This is it. Flowing, gorgeous Jerry bridge jam. Perfection.
4
Don't Ease Me In
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Proves the boys could really swing when they wanted to. Hear Jerry on "The Girl I Love" line; like 'Gator Alley--1980 a good year for this tune
32
Not Fade Away
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Insane. Ridiculous. Drummers locked in, Garcia in take-no-prisoners mode. 16+ minutes of full-bore Rock to the G-D Roll.

Comments

Ramble On Rose
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

Just spun this again for the first time in way too long and realized it just might be #1. How did I forget? Such a great vocal by Jerry and the mid jam is extraordinary with deep, resonating drum punctuation throughout the tune in all the right spots. Interesting too how many New Yorkers seem to have been at this show despite the locale--at least going by the raucous cheer after "just like NYC"...This and 5/19/77 are my two faves all time but this one might win in a photo finish w/just a tad more emotional oomph from Garcia.
Ramble On Rose
Nov. 19, 1972
Hofheinz Pavilion

When Jerry sings every verse this well the song shines. Needs to be at least in double digits. Ramble fans should bump this toot sweet.
Deep Elem Blues
April 14, 1982
Glenns Falls Civic Center

Real confident reading here both vocally and musically from a very overlooked show. Lots of nuggets to be found in this hidden '82 winner.
Playin' In The Band
April 14, 1982
Glenns Falls Civic Center

Glad I checked this out. Jazzy, Weir-led weird. Very inventive, easily one of the best of the year.
Althea
April 11, 1982
Nassau Coliseum

Probably the most overlooked show of '82. Biased cuz I was there but it's much better than the paltry votes it has to show for it now. Nice 1/2 step and this Althea is worthy too.