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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

14
Big Railroad Blues
May 11, 1972
Rotterdam Civic Hall

So rippin' good. Get your Jerry on.
28
Deep Elem Blues
April 5, 1982
The Spectrum

For a stellar electric version check out this one from Philly. Also included as filler material for Road Trips Vol. 4 No. 4
8
El Paso
May 10, 1972
Concertgebouw

Bobby's vocals are especially sweet & heartfelt in this one & Jerry adds some tasty southwestern-style licks. Very smooth.
15
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 28, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Interesting & under the radar version-sweet & mellow w/a relaxed intro & then usual great '77 exploration jamming--but more lovely than intense
12
Not Fade Away
April 3, 1982
The Scope

Check the new "Seaweed" SBD of this version...KILLER out of space... full 3 mins+ of pickin' Jammin' and Bobby rythms & Brent's sweeping flourishes!

Comments

The Music Never Stopped
Dec. 27, 1978
Golden Hall, Community Concourse

Blazing end coda, honestly one of the best I've ever heard. Before Jerry hits the second turn on a dime entry into the shift for the finale finale he and the rest of the band are doing a jam that sounds unique compared with almost any other rendition I can think of. Too bad there's not a perfect board but as stated above the Darst SBD does a pretty good job. Oughta be higher, really.
Row Jimmy
May 20, 1973
U.C.

Love the slightly more uptempo early versions (nothing tops 2/28/73 in that regard) along with a real country twang, both evident in this version. The jamming in between verses can't rival the best of '77-'78 but it's still quite sweet and Jerry sings this one nicely. Should get some love.
Big River
Nov. 25, 1979
Pauly Pavillion

Have a theory that this song was played so often people forget how damn great its played virtually every time. But even with a great selection of eras to choose from this '79 (from a generally overlooked show) shines brightly. Check out the nice, relaxed, lower register intro, followed by top notch individual jam sections (half a point off for Brent's tinkly Fisher Price keys, but he plays his section beautifully) & Garcia just does his thing in the final jam slot, taking no prisoners. Easy +1
Uncle John's Band
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

outstanding in every conceivable way, from the "start at the end" intro to the meat of the jam and an outro that melts flawlessly into a lovely China Doll, this is a version that can get overlooked for almost being hidden amid this exquisite second set, but deserves to be in the top 5 if not top 3 all time.
When I Paint My Masterpiece
April 3, 1990
The Omni

Agreed! This is a more mature and better rendition than most. Whole show is a nice find.