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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect

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.