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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

Row Jimmy
March 20, 1977
Winterland Arena

I go back and forth between this one and 4-12-78 as to which is best...both feature unreal Jerry guitar work before "broken heart" refrain...this one a tad cleaner than Duke U....both outstanding.
Jack Straw
Jan. 11, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

My first-ever show, and this "Jack Straw" is what got me on the bus for good. Nice call.
Morning Dew
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Ditto. Have yet to hear a more powerful version, at least vocally (Barton Hall maybe has the better jam). This one is as emotional as it gets. Brilliant version ending one of the best 2d sets of all time.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

can't believe this isn't #1 all-time with the most votes. Both bridge jams are monsters. Beats 5/7/77 (which is excellent) by a country mile
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Excellent choice and yes, a very underrated version. Unique in a very short transition jam but that leaves Jerry to expand on the opening riffs of "fire" instead. Really great version, often overlooked.