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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

10
Beat it on Down The Line
March 22, 1990
Copps Coliseum

A breezy bouncin' bubbly Bobby Beat it...best of the 90's.
8
El Paso
March 27, 1972
Academy of Music

Jerry in serious bluegrass mode. Most country-westernized version ever. At the end Phil sez "Thanks, Texans" even tho' they're in NYC. Awesome version
22
Let It Grow
Sept. 19, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Hornsby gets on board in a big way & Jerry jazzes up the jam sections. Weir slashes away & sings w/passion. Strong candidate for Best of the 90's.
3
Desolation Row
April 17, 1987
Irvine Meadows

This song was only as good as Bobby was committed to it, and on this night he was 100% in Dylan-idoling mode. Gorgeous rendeition, lovingly sung.
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

Comments

Bird Song
Nov. 19, 1972
Hofheinz Pavilion

A recent re-listening has me back to add that because there's no "bad" version of tbhis song in 1972 it's the versions that do stand out if even a little that warrant extra attention, because so many are so good that some get lost in the mix. What makes this one stand out for me is the approach to the mid-song drum break & the slightly mellower drop-down into that transition point, a subtle but noticeable veering from what you hear in most versions around this mark in the tune. Garcia takes a bit of a wander from the ,main theme but deftly finds his way back & the song takes on more of an exploratory feel as a result. So much laid back goodness in this one, a recommendation for fans of the classic 6/22/73 but with its own distinct dreamy quality.
Bird Song
March 26, 1987
Hartford Civic Center

I'll get on this bandwagon. I know the official releases sometimes get an undeserved bump but in a case like this the nice balance between board & crowd really does help shine a light on a very strong late 80's style BirdJam. There are multiple peaks of varying degree & approach & all are worthy of the audience appreciation they receive. Not my favorite year for this tune by a long shot but this one deserves some big board love.
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

^Joining the Happy Birthday celebration for my favorite all time show, too. Also this is a great RORose.
He's Gone
May 12, 1980
Boston Garden

One of THE best "nothing left to do but smile smile SMILE!!" vocals Jerry ever did. Rest of this underrated monster cooks & percolates too. Dead always rocked the gah-din.
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 31, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Intro to this undervalued lightning fast played Jerry note-upon -note-fest is unreal. Phil follows hot on Jerry's heels. This has a lot in common with 11/5/79 (see up the ladder) but that one's more relaxed...this one's like a '79 version of Colgate 11/4/77. Speedy but in in the pocket so. Could use more ears.