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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic
12
Brown Eyed Women
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Gotta check out the "small" songs in legendary shows like this as well as the usual suspects! Check out Jerry's utterly perfect bridge jam & be in awe
22
Bird Song
Sept. 22, 1993
Madison Square Garden

If you don't know Saxophonist David Murray, here's a good way to find out how great he is. This is one stellar Birdsong that flew under the radar here
19
They Love Each Other
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Is there anything prettier, sweeter or more sublimely lovely than Keith's piano in this version? You decide. This TLEO is incredible.
56
Sugaree
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

New #1 favorite. Slightly more compact than other amazing '77 versions & so a bit more focused. 2d Garcia solo has no equal.

Comments

Bird Song
Sept. 10, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Easy to lose this one in a sea of great "Birdsongs" from a great year for that song...but it's a mistake to skip this one by. Other than 6/22/73 this might have the trippiest/dream-like/sweet-mellow jam section of any version ever. SBD lacks a bit--just a bit--of oomph but is essentially clear and pretty, and this version will delight any early-year "Birdsong" aficionado.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Very distinct tease by Jerry on "Mountain Jam" just prior to a really mellow and flowing version of the MLB jam...just an outstanding all-around version of the combo and instantly rising into my top 5 of all-time (with, in no particular order, 2/24/74, 8/27/72, 3/9/81 and 11/11/73.) This out of all those, however, wins as most underrated version. Terrific pick.
Crazy Fingers
Aug. 13, 1975
Great American Music Hall

OK, I'll be the first to say it: I didn't check, and just assumed this was already here. How could it not be???? Other than the Blues For Allah album version, this is THE MOST PRISTINE VERSION of the song EVER played. Nothing else even comes close.
Dire Wolf
April 16, 1978
Huntington Civic Center

Lost in the shuffle of a superior show. There usually isn't much jamming on this little ditty of a song but Jerry brings the goods and collects his dues on this one. Flowing licks and passionate vocals.
The Music Never Stopped
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

What's not great in this show? This is but one example of one of those "Just Exactly perfect" tunes from a perfect year. This DP is easily one of the best Dick ever offered up. Spectacular Lazy Lightning>Supplication also among the highlights.