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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
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!
46
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
30
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.
15
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.

Comments

Loser
June 21, 1980
West High Auditorium

Find the Miller SBD and check this one out. The only other 80s version that comes close is Ventura '84 in terms of intensity of bridge jam and bluesy Garcia vocals. Silly for this version to be anywhere under 10 votes.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 1, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Finding out that this show is so much richer in content than just the longest-ever Scarlet>Fire it's known for. This Playin' is a great sleeper pick...great rhythm devils work and a long, gooey space exploration. +1
Jack Straw
Nov. 1, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Simply a victim of too many other great versions to choose from, but tune in to this one and you'll feel compelled to get it higher on the ladder. Great '79 stuff start to finish.
Row Jimmy
March 20, 1977
Winterland Arena

Whatever the reason, I would drop this firmly into a category called Greatest Garcia Solos Ever, slap a Top 3 onto it, and not look back. It's beyond belief beautiful.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 7, 1984
Silva Hall, Hult Center

No, Bobby, they're going to hear ONE MORE TIME how much I wish I was a headlight on a northbound train. -Jerry