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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

130
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Most pristine version I've ever heard. So smooth, so clear. Keith leads the way, Jerry brings it home. . Essential for all Wharf Rat fans
18
Aiko Aiko
Aug. 10, 1982
Iowa Fieldhouse - University of Iowa

Another kick-ass version out of Space...not as long&rising a wind-up as the 9-14-82 tripiness), but raucous, fun & full of N'awlins cajun rock!
36
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Powerhouse. Garcia belts out vocals. Hear amazing riff of added notes in the main theme instrumental sections.Drums pound away as well.
7
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 29, 1979
Cleveland Public Hall

Jerry commits strong vocals to this rendition--he's into it big time...& Brent adds great accompaniment. Very strong Garcia bridge jam as well.
118
Cumberland Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They could actually hit the high notes in '72, and the jams? Goodness gracious--this one just rips a hole in the space/time continuum!

Comments

The Other One
May 31, 1969
McArthur Court, University of Oregon

Please don't let this languish down here with 2 lousy votes. For crying out loud, this one comes in hot on the heels of Harpur College 5-2-70 in terms of tone and just pure JAM! There's no deviating space debris to sift through here, just Garcia ripping liquid riffs one after another in a long, flowing cascade that all gets power-packed into a tight 10 minutes of ecstatic OtherOne-ness. Listen Listen Listen and upvote if you agree, I'm beggin' ya!
Mexicali Blues
July 19, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

For a song no one ever turns to for instrumental jamming there is, in this version, an extended instrumental bridge that'll make you think the Dead have turned into a mariachi band. Sweet stuff.
Deal
July 19, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Sold after seeing it (again) during this year's 'Meet Up at the Movies' version. I've always maintained 5/1/81 as my favorite Deal but why quibble when this one delivers the goods SO good? Saw it live in '89 and seeing it again on film reaffirms it belongs at the top.
Morning Dew
July 19, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Saw this for the 2nd time last night at "Meet Up At the Movies." 2nd time b/c I was there for the now-legendary summer '89 Alpine run and now, having been reminded by the first-ever film airing of this show just how good it really was, I'm finally here to upvote as many versions from this show as deserve it (and there are many.) What's remarkable about this Dew is how well Jerry sings it (note especially his full commitment to the "young man" section), along with the shredding you've come to expect from superior Dews and the delicate touches in the quiet sections, which are evident and poignant in this version. Yes, good Dews are everywhere in nearly every era, but this version belongs in any Top 10 discussion. I just needed to see it again to jog the memory and, hopefully, get others to check it out again or even for the first time.
Bird Song
July 25, 1972
Paramount Theater

But there is such a thing as an ignored one. This version is far too good to be sitting so low on the ladder. This whole show, in fact, is underrated, probably due to its proximity to Ventura and overshadowed by the Europe tour, but c'mon. This is played with a perfect flow and ease and precision that's every bit as good as some of the '72's listed much higher. Give it a listen & show it some love.