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grendel

Books and Music

+23519


Submissions

78
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.
81
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!
50
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
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!"

Comments

Deal
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

This here Deal is the real...well....deal. Seriously tho' it's vaulted right into my top 5 all time--no fooling. For one thing, it's got that great late 70's middle jam that goes around for several turns, all filled with color and nuance and panache in Jerry's leads (if you prefer the power jam codas that marked the 80's versions, that's fine too--may I suggest 5/1/81?), but fans of the slightly mellower yet still musically killer 70s versions are gonna love this. Best of all is Jerry's crazy good vocal reading throughout the tune--especially in the early going with lots of "if I told yas'" peppered with "people" and "burning off both your little ears"--always hallmarks of versions Jer was totally into--it's right here. Not to mention that the whole band wails vocally on the final portion--many go 'rounds on don't ya let that deal go down, but with overlapping call outs and awesome Donna interplay too. Such a stellar version sitting mired in sad single digits--so even if you don't have the new box set featuring this at least check it out on the archive--you won't be sorry.
Cassidy
April 7, 1978
The Sportatorium

Really think this one's better than advertised --a little more jamming than usual and dark's not a bad way to describe it--jer's solo is pretty intense but he sticks the landing...should get a bump from new box set
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Just bumped this to double digits--should be way higher--location & as said above audience reaction on 'just like NYC' sends chills & Garcia--croaky vox & all--nails all the lyrics and growls 'em out...nice little trill of guitar licks at the finale too--up worthy version here
Me and My Uncle
May 31, 1969
McArthur Court, University of Oregon

very nice. Some of the best versions --or at least the ones that stand out from the almost pringles- like similarity of the later years-- can be found in '69...try also 5-10-69 just a couple weeks before this one. Nice rec. here
Pretty Peggy O
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

ridiculously low ranking for a brilliant version--and like those who've listened and voted said, the solo is phenomenal.