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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic
12
Brown Eyed Women
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Gotta check out the "small" songs in legendary shows like this as well as the usual suspects! Check out Jerry's utterly perfect bridge jam & be in awe
22
Bird Song
Sept. 22, 1993
Madison Square Garden

If you don't know Saxophonist David Murray, here's a good way to find out how great he is. This is one stellar Birdsong that flew under the radar here
19
They Love Each Other
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Is there anything prettier, sweeter or more sublimely lovely than Keith's piano in this version? You decide. This TLEO is incredible.
56
Sugaree
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

New #1 favorite. Slightly more compact than other amazing '77 versions & so a bit more focused. 2d Garcia solo has no equal.

Comments

Pretty Peggy O
April 14, 1978
Cassell Coliseum - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The solo on this one is just transcending, and a little bit longer than most. Instead of Jerry returning to the verse after the "high point" conclusion of his solo, he re-enters the gentle main theme for a bit, letting everyone settle down, before continuing on to the final 3 verses. Just extraordinary stuff.
Bertha
June 7, 1977
Winterland Arena

Needs to move up! Everything you want from a Bertha, and a perfect way to start a classic show
Jack Straw
Oct. 10, 1980
Warfield Theater

I don't care where this one ends up but it can't stay here (4 votes with mine just added.) This is a rip roaring version that builds to several peaks before the final Wichita verse comes crashing down. I know this show gets all its attention for the acoustic set but if you ignore this A+ electric JS it's truly your loss. I recommend the Matrix available... best sound around for a show with few high quality sound options. UP IT!
Dark Star
Jan. 17, 1969
Civic Auditorium

Yes! My favorite kind of Dark Star...more music, less dissonance. To each his own, but these more music-oriented '69 versions are my go-to's. (10/25/69 still my #1 fave,)
Terrapin Station
July 8, 1978
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Great show & version indeed. Should be higher. 1/22/78 gets most of the attention from this year but this one's along the same lines.