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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect

Comments

Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

the best, Jerry...the Best!
Bird Song
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

Absolutely agree. Would have listed this one myself had I not assumed it was already here. Keith really provides a gorgeous bridge to a typically smooth and mesmerizing 1972 version. Must-hear.
They Love Each Other
June 9, 1976
Boston Music Hall

All about Keith...check his gorgeous flowing lines that make this one so silky smooth.
Not Fade Away
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

From one of the all-time greatest shows ever played and my personal #1 favorite. Killer Stephen precedes it...Black Peter...Sugar Mag--all stellar.
Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

Can't believe I only just experienced this. Garcia concocts an MLB while making his electric guitar sound like a bluegrass banjo in the final stanza and leads the rest of the gang on an exploration of improv jamming that must be heard to be believed. Rest of the half hour masterpiece aint too shabby either. Jazzy, mellow, but hard-driving in places...not too much dissonant noise distortion..but that final fury of bluegrass-infused jazz improv leading into AM Dew puts this one into legendary territory.