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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

2
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 4, 1982
Kiel Auditorium

Fast-picking goodness. Jerry's bridge solo is long and lightning quick and awesome. 1 point off for lyric flub on re-entry, but the rest is gold.
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
15
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!
19
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

As insanely good as the Wharf Rat that precedes it. How good? Almost matches 10/29/77 in intensity. Final jam section b4 SSDD will boggle your senses!

Comments

Box of Rain
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

May be the best live version of a tune that, frankly, wonderful as it is, was almost never performed well on stage. (The studio version remains the standard.) But they nail all the lyrics here and Jerry has some sweet riffs. Phil still can't sing, though.
Wharf Rat
Oct. 14, 1977
Hofheinz Pavilion

This month and year was phenomenal for the Rat.
Uncle John's Band
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Since getting DaP11 I've been digging this version big time, and it gets better and better after each spin. It's played at a jaunty, peppy pace--a little moreso than most versions--and is really tight. The vocals are spot-on and the jam section before the final reprise is full of swagger and hot jammy goodness. Deserves to climb the ladder here!
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

New appreciation for this one after recent multiple listenings. So many great versions from this year, but this one gets my upvote for Keith's contributions in the more mellow and thoughtful passages. This whole show is spectacular.
Eyes Of The World
Nov. 4, 1977
Cotterell Gym - Colgate University

Needs more bump-up. Jerry plays at ludicrous speed and yet it doesn't sound at all sloppy. A unique version for '77 and one that deserves to be in at least double digits on the big board.