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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

4
Ramble On Rose
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Faster than usual tempo with just a brilliant Jerry bridge jam and no missed lyrics make this one a not-to-be-missed version.
14
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
54
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.

Comments

The Other One
March 20, 1992
Copps Coliseum

Excellent fuzz guitar from Jerry, totally ripping. Ignore the year and (maybe) take half a point off if you don't like Healy messing w/Bobby's voice on the chorus to make him sound like he's just sucked helium from a balloon. But this really is top notch jamming. Great stuff from a great show.
Shakedown Street
Nov. 29, 1980
Alligator Alley Gym, University of Florida

^^^^So glad you heard that, too. Thought I was hearing things at first but went back and Jerry sure does run right up to the edge of a full on Stranger riff.
Shakedown Street
Nov. 24, 1978
Capitol Theatre

Such great improv jamming by Garcia post lyrics. Tight, funky uber 70s verses up top. One of the best early versions if not the numero uno in that category already.
Bertha
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

This is so spectacular and just a hair's breadth behind my all time favorite 10/29/77. Joyous middle jam by Jerry and Billy and Mickey are in full out beast mode. 5 stars.
Shakedown Street
Nov. 29, 1980
Alligator Alley Gym, University of Florida

One of the great AUDs available on the archive (Miller) & a spectacular, funked out version that I can swear has what sounds like a mini-Feel Like A Stranger jam post-lyrics. Segue into Franklin's is sweet although Jerry comes in too quick on the first line.