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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

6
Candyman
Oct. 28, 1977
Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Hall

There's a Betty Board of this one available. And it's gorgeous. What's stopping you?
9
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 27, 1982
Oakland Auditorium

Seek out the CM SBD (2d set only). This is a fine combo w/Brent & Jer driving Scarlet & Phil prominent in Fire. '82 was a sweet year for S>F!
7
The Other One
Oct. 12, 1977
Manor Downs

Another roaring out of the gate and sustained thereafter 01 that should not be ignored. '77 had its great share & this is one of 'em. Heavy on Phil!
9
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

While I prefer the 1977 BEWs overall this one is excellent for its speed & precision & Jerry nailing all the lyrics w/ gusto! Don't overlook this gem!
4
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

The overlooked European tour. Love Jer's voice for this song in '81.Hangs an extra vocal note or 2 on the chilly winds don't blow refrain. Great stuff

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

^^^ With 5 stars being the best, this is a 4-star version easily. If you're grading on a curve and taking into account the post-90's decline, you could bump it to 4 1/2 and I wouldn't complain. I'm a true believer for this version.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

Take maybe a half point off for Jerry's typically croaky '91 vocals, but musically, this is a delight. As noted, Hornsby goes jazz jam all over this version...he's clearly adding color and filling space in ways that are truly rare...this happens in both the meat of Scarlet, the transition to Fire, and while Jerry takes over in Fire as the stand-out, Bruce doesn't miss a beat in providing the perfect back-drop. I'm really hard to please when it comes to nearly anything post-1990 so believe me when I say this version can stand proud with many at or near the top of this list. At the very least it deserves to have more than 20 votes, but sits under-appreciated at 12 as I write this, including the one I just added. Let's up this puppy, please.
Fire On The Mountain
July 13, 1985
Ventura County Fairgrounds

^^^Well acquainted with the story being here in the Green Mountain State. Assuming you are as well? VT Dead Heads unite!
Fire On The Mountain
July 13, 1985
Ventura County Fairgrounds

^^^ Stone Hut up on Mt. Mansfield? If so, yes, it will return!
Samson and Delilah
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

It's really grown on me and mostly because it's so different than the familiar versions that would follow in 1977 and stay basically the same thereafter...the funky loping intro in this one is so perfect and they don't miss a beat getting into it and Bobby is just roaring out the vocals. Top 3 for me.