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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

29
Candyman
Dec. 15, 1986
Oakland Coliseum Arena

Must hear b/c it's Jerry's first show back after the coma...crowd goes INSANE on "won't you tell everybody you meet that the Candyman's in town!"
14
Walking the Dog
April 8, 1985
The Spectrum

Midnite Hour>WTD>Big Boss Man to open the show-Wow!; Walkin' worth it just to hear Jerry sustain the vocal on "Pretty maids all in a Roooooooowww!"
9
I Need A Miracle
Jan. 10, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Flawless deliver by Weir followed by extended, bluesy, gritty Garcia jam
80
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Greatest STEPHEN ever Told. Jerry rips into a "St.Stephen" jam in the bridge jam before the reprise. 2d only to 8/27
37
Dark Star
Oct. 25, 1969
Winterland Arena

For those who don't care for the feedback/chase dog from the room DS's...this one is jazzy, jammy, rockin', & beautiful. No distortion; none needed

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.