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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect

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!