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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24538


Submissions

33
Little Red Rooster
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

All about Brent.
2
Drums
June 4, 1978
Campus Stadium - University Of California

Part of a very hardcore rock and roll 2nd set. HEAVY wailing Drums>Space>NFA w/motorcycle revs.
8
Beat it on Down The Line
May 16, 1972
Theatre Hall

Another Europe '72 tour winner. Bobby sez "Rock on out" for the bridge jam and Jerry obliges.
25
Ramble On Rose
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

Just discovered this one, available on archive as outtakes that didn't make the DP release. Simply put, it kicks ass.
8
Doin' That Rag
June 14, 1969
Monterey Performing Arts Center

Always a tough tune for the band to pull off but here they do it with authority. Jerry nails the vocals w/gusto!

Comments

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.
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 24, 1980
Grand Center

Confirmed awesome. Rivals some of the best of '77 (11/4 included). Jam into the aforementioned Delilah Jones line goes 'round for an extra 2 or 3 runs and Jerry just crushes it. Top notch BEW probably not higher on the list due only to no SBD recording but the AUD available is really really good. This is a Top 3 version if not #1. For real.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Oct. 1, 1976
Market Square Arena

Gotta up this. Seek out the Miller recording and settle in for a superior reading of all 3 tunes. The Slipknot gets smoky-slinky and spacey and then comes around for a perfect drop-in to Franklin's and damn, this is absolutely a Top 3 all-time Franklin's--no joke. The Help to start is spot-on as well. This late in '76 you're practically into the glory that would be '77 so it should come as no surprise that these fall versions are so good. Listen and you'll want to push this up the ladder for sure.