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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
June 26, 1973
Seattle Center Coliseum

Glad you checked this out, DS. Whole show seems pretty great and maybe a bit under the radar due to so many fantastic 73s to choose from and maybe not the best sound sources (although a Teddy did a nice job here). Interesting set opener of Casey Jones>GSET and a nice HCS too.
Playin' In The Band
June 26, 1973
Seattle Center Coliseum

This needs to get moved UP. This is a jazz clinic by everyone involved. Just before the 9 minute mark Phil takes a beautiful run and the whole crew follows with confident, gorgeous free form improv that never flags or loses focus. This is a more relaxed playin' than some others of similar vintage but if you like 6/22/73 and those of a dreamy float along jazz bent this one's for you. Glides into re-entry. Stellar. (Grab the Teddy Goodbear version. Easily the best of the sound options available).
C. C. Rider
Sept. 10, 1991
Madison Square Garden

Almost like one continuous blues jam of CC>Train. So good, both tunes, plus Branfird adds great flourish. Numero uno in my book.
Not Fade Away
Oct. 6, 1977
Activity Center. Arizona State U

Haven't sampled all of them yet but you're right at least one of the sources is sped way up. (I think it's the FM broadcast). If you find a better one before I do let me know.
Not Fade Away
Oct. 6, 1977
Activity Center. Arizona State U

Well, yes indeed. The above posters do not lie, this is a right old barn burner. There is some confusion about this show, which for some odd reason has multiple sources on the archive, some of which are mixed in with selections from 10/29/77, aka the best Dead show ever. However, the correct version of 10-6-77 featuring this killer NFA>Black Peter>NFA is crazy good, ultra fast jammed and just a rager of a sandwich. And yeah, I know of no other that has Jerry breaking into an impromptu MLB jam, but it's here!