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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24538


Submissions

52
Dark Star
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

Farewell to Winterland; Not 40 mins. long ; no break down into feedback nonsense. Just sweet jazzy jamming; Just exactly perfect send off.
10
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 25, 1981
Stabler Arena

Transition jam weaves into spaces most fail to go; touch-down into Fire is GOLD. Jerry flubs first line in Fire-after that: 1 of the BEST ever!
19
He's Gone
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Perfect, self-contained, blues-infused, stellar vocals, 14+ minutes of bliss. Extra fun: Check out the "Birdsong" riff about 10 secs. into the intro
36
Dark Star
Sept. 16, 1972
Boston Music Hall

Amazed this isn't here yet Gorgeous, melodic, jazz-infused, mellow, trippy, spacey into hard ripping Jerry riffs; melts into Brokedown Palace. Sublime
48
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Kicks off with authority a 2d set every DeadHead needs to hear. Perfect bookend to Jerry's scorching Dew. They say it was cold&rainy that nite in ME.

Comments

Box of Rain
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Agree that we shouldn't overlook official DP releases. This version is about as good as it gets outside of the studio version. Phil nails all the lyrics and Donna adds nicely...both the emotion & execution are there. Also check out the outstandingly smooth Row Jimmy from this release (the Utah show.)
The Music Never Stopped
Sept. 25, 1981
Stabler Arena

Very solid version from an overall ridiculously hot show. Also check out the Scarlet>Fire and the tasty Sugar Mag sandwich. One of the best of '81 easily.
Touch of Grey
March 16, 1990
Capital Centre

Easily the cleanest version, & one of the most energetic ever performed. #1 as far as I'm concerned and it needs way more votes. Excellent call.
Eyes Of The World
May 13, 1983
Greek Theater

Best of 1983...true, not an outstanding year for this tune, but on this one they provide the kind of long, relaxed jamming style they would revive in the early 90's to great success. This version sounds much like the excellent 3/31/91 rendition from NC...if you like that one, you'll like this one as well.
Mason's Children
Jan. 24, 1970
Honolulu Civic Auditorium

Must agree...plus I never even knew the Dead played Hawaii!