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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

4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Bob's lyric phrasing on this version is unique. He sings it in a way so different than any I've heard before & it's inventive & super-fun. Must hear!
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.

Comments

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.
Dark Star
March 28, 1969
Student Center

The more you dig into '69 stars the more you discover. Another version marked mostly by a combination of jazz/psychedelia jams and a rave-up ending on this one. Good upgraded CM version available and worth seeking out,
Dark Star
April 20, 1969
Clark University

This is fan-freaking-tastic. Has an almost indescribable different "feel" to Dark Stars of this era especially. Deep, dark, flowing jams that go everywhere at once. Love it. Why have I never known of this version previously? Check it. +1
Terrapin Station
July 27, 1982
Red Rocks Ampitheatre

Superior version needing more votes & attention. Brent forgoes the "Fisher-Price" tinkly effects for a more straight-ahead piano sound and the results are beautiful, jazzy interplay on the post-lyrics jam, leading to several outro themes explored with Mickey & Billy. This version is mellower than many they would play in the '85-'88 years...Jerry doesn't go with the hard grunge riffs you'd hear in those years but instead the whole band gets into a more colorful jazz mood, short of the Midi effects that would mark the 90's versions. The preceding lyrical sections are done with grace and precision and the overall effect is of a Terrapin that tells its story with quiet and lovely confidence, followed by a very musically interesting outro section. Try it & see if you agree it needs a higher place on the big board.