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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 20, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

Just a note that if you haven't checked out this version yet ( and you frankly should) there's never been a better time because there's a newly re-mastered Charlie Miller SBD up on the archive that makes this monster sound better than ever. You won't be disappointed.
The Other One
Feb. 13, 1970
Fillmore East

As wit the DS that precedes it this O1 is as notable for what it doesn't do as what it does...I.e. It never breaks down into screechy feedback territory and is devoted almost totally to jamming instead and it's fantastic jamming at that. The only deviation is a drum duet that isn't overly long and fits nicely into the overall piece. Great. Stuff.
Cosmic Charlie
Jan. 16, 1970
Springer's Inn Portland

Can't believe just catching on to this show now. Great mellow Cosmic.
Dire Wolf
Jan. 16, 1970
Springer's Inn Portland

Absolutely the best version I've ever heard full of country twang and Jerry in great voice . He also sez before it starts "here's one you can sing along to, a little paranoid fantasy..." Just an amazingly excellent version from a show I never heard of. Gonna check out the rest for sure.
Franklin's Tower
Sept. 29, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Agree it's not in legendary territory but seems about right for where it is on this list.