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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

7
Greatest Story Ever Told
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Best of the 80's or 90's, hands down. Picture perfect rendition: Vocals, jam fills, & finish.
6
The Other One
April 16, 1984
Community War Memorial Auditorium

Short but raging. Look beyond the length & enjoy for the fire within. Jerry attacks this from the get-go & it's awesome.
2
Truckin'
Dec. 12, 1993
San Diego Sports Arena

Anybody else hear a very distinctive riff of Steely Dan's "Black Friday" in the intro?
5
Sugar Magnolia
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Just listen & you will believe. End jam before SSDD is a tidal wave of sound & power & beauty. A true must hear.
7
Darkness Jam
June 6, 1970
Fillmore West

Just one jam theme among many. this should be called "Kitchen Sink" jam. Has so much & all so good

Comments

Dark Star
Sept. 10, 1974
Alexandra Palace

There's a very pretty section here at around the 15, 16-minute mark that is unlike any other version I've heard. Reminds me a little of Earl Klugh doing "So Many Stars"...it's quiet and lovely and not at all dissonant...just before they launch into the verse. This whole version is on the mellow side and I really like it for that. It doesn't reach any major peaks or rev into any known themes such as Tighten Up Jam but in its own elegant way, this Dark Star stands out and gets my upvote.
The Race Is On
May 3, 1986
Cal Expo

Candidate for best show of '86, which is like being the fastest kid in the slow-runner's race...but still, this IS probably the best electric version of Race Is On I've ever heard. They nail it. Jerry's backing vocals alone are worth the price of admission on this one--he sounds great.
Wharf Rat
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

True on all counts.
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

In typical Bob fashion he overdoes it on the final note, elongating his vocal way past the point where it shoulda ended, but so what? Everything up til that moment is him belting out every word with gusto and passion and it's a top shelf rendition that's got to be upvoted!
When I Paint My Masterpiece
March 25, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena

D'oh! See 10/11/89