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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

33
Little Red Rooster
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

All about Brent.
2
Drums
June 4, 1978
Campus Stadium - University Of California

Part of a very hardcore rock and roll 2nd set. HEAVY wailing Drums>Space>NFA w/motorcycle revs.
8
Beat it on Down The Line
May 16, 1972
Theatre Hall

Another Europe '72 tour winner. Bobby sez "Rock on out" for the bridge jam and Jerry obliges.
25
Ramble On Rose
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

Just discovered this one, available on archive as outtakes that didn't make the DP release. Simply put, it kicks ass.
8
Doin' That Rag
June 14, 1969
Monterey Performing Arts Center

Always a tough tune for the band to pull off but here they do it with authority. Jerry nails the vocals w/gusto!

Comments

Dark Star
April 8, 1971
Boston Music Hall

I love Dark Stars like this. Straight shot jam with no deviation into "silly space" feedback noise and some fine ideas throughout. There are a couple of off notes but they're barely noticeable in the overall scheme, and thanks to Darkstar67 for providing link to the best course for sure of those offered,
When Push Comes to Shove
Dec. 31, 1986
Kaiser Convention Center

Did you know that this song could be good? Like, really, REALLY good? Neither did I until I checked out this version. Killer mid tune solo and Jerry nails the vox. Let these little baby tigers punch you in the ear if you don't believe!
Sugaree
Dec. 31, 1986
Kaiser Convention Center

Excellent recommendation. Surprised given the year how well put together this is. Jam into last verse as good as advertised and best of all...and REALLY surprising...is Jerry's excellent vox. Ups easy.
Shakedown Street
Sept. 16, 1978
Sphinx Theatre

Delicious disco Dead in the desert. This version is crazy groovy and disco-infused in a good way and while it's lacking the 3rd verse and the coda the jams in between are incredible. (In particular after the 2nd verse, what would be the "middle jam" had they sung the 3rd verse is incredibly funky and turn on a dime tight. These shows never got the respect they deserved.
Cosmic Charlie
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

The ones just above this one (6/19/76 and below ((7/16/76) are my two go-to's. I really think '76 was the best (Marybe only) year for this tune. The early versions feel too raw to me and the song isn't given a chance to really breathe. I like the quieter spacey stretch feel of the 76 versions and Donna actually sounds great.