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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Nov. 30, 1979
Stanley Theater

Maybe someone else knows a version that features this, but I sure don't. The bonus jam is lengthy and indeed hot and just when you think for all the world they're coming out of it with "Wind in the willows", instead it's "Aint nothin' right but I've never been wrong" with everyone on cue! It's truly the only time i've ever heard them do this...then after that you get a shorter but still nice jam prior to "wind in the willows". Not sure if this was all by design or adjustments made on the fly. Probably the latter, but unique version for sure.
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 4, 1977
Cotterell Gym - Colgate University

Jerry finishes the last line "and it looks like the old man's gettin' on..." and then adds "yes it does." Sweet version indeed.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Sept. 10, 1991
Madison Square Garden

Grossly underrated. Branford sounds like he's been playing this one his whole career. Bruce is right on, and Phil is driving the train. Tight and energetic--best 90's version i've ever heard.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 1, 1979
Holleder Memorial Stadium

Please clear the area--this FIRE has gone completely out of control.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

Glad you re-visited this one. So many great shows in May '77 this one easily gets overshadowed (so does 5/13, Chicago), and this Scarlet>Fire bears the price. I think this one is Top 5 for the year, easy.