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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

4
Estimated Prophet
Aug. 31, 1985
Manor Downs

Hot as the night in Texas on which it was played.
11
One More Saturday Night
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Like every other song from this, my favorite all-time show, it's a best-of candidate. Just rocks hard.
2
Alabama Getaway
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

Come for the 'Bama but stay for the rest of the show. This rocker 'Bama is Jerry and Brent at their very best. This entire show, tho', is a monster.
13
Stagger Lee
June 27, 1985
SPAC

Right after Phil tells a guy to get off the blacony cuz 50,000 people are waiting for him to, and Bob does the dog nose joke, Jer rips into a fine SL!
8
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 18, 1989
The Spectrum

Pretty good China followed by the best 80's OR 90's RIDER I've ever heard. Check Jer's run going into "sun gonna shine" verse. 5 stars fo RIDER alone.

Comments

Eyes Of The World
March 29, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

Have loved this version for so long I only recently remembered I never voted for it! Shame to take it for granted. Just such a brilliant meeting of the musical minds, Branford sounds like he's been with the band since Day 1. It's not as intense as some other versions, and really no one expects Jerry to go off like he did in '77 or '74, but his maturity and the whole band's pacing in this rendition make it an all-time classic that stands up to any version in any era. Gorgeous.
Row Jimmy
April 18, 1987
Irvine Meadows

Was at all 3 of these Irvine shows...really fun time, although you sure can see a drop-off in the exploratory jamming mode in '87 in favor of shorter "get to the point" numbers. This RJ is kind of an exception as Jerry is clearly enjoying what he's up to, especially in the final stanzas.
Mountain Jam
July 28, 1973
Grand Prix Racecourse

Should have and would have if I'd been more on the ball. Was just listening the other day to the birdsong and wharf rat from the soundcheck and delighted at how great it was. This is killer mt jam stuff!
They Love Each Other
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

@ freedomhall You probably already know it but just in case you don't my all time favorite show is 10/29/77. I'll certainly brainstorm others and would appreciate your recommendations as well!
They Love Each Other
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Absolutely! This is one of those "assumed it was there already " versions. Peppy and self-assured early rendition. A fine pick!