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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

10
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 25, 1981
Stabler Arena

Transition jam weaves into spaces most fail to go; touch-down into Fire is GOLD. Jerry flubs first line in Fire-after that: 1 of the BEST ever!
19
He's Gone
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Perfect, self-contained, blues-infused, stellar vocals, 14+ minutes of bliss. Extra fun: Check out the "Birdsong" riff about 10 secs. into the intro
35
Dark Star
Sept. 16, 1972
Boston Music Hall

Amazed this isn't here yet Gorgeous, melodic, jazz-infused, mellow, trippy, spacey into hard ripping Jerry riffs; melts into Brokedown Palace. Sublime
47
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Kicks off with authority a 2d set every DeadHead needs to hear. Perfect bookend to Jerry's scorching Dew. They say it was cold&rainy that nite in ME.
25
Dupree's Diamond Blues
Feb. 4, 1978
Milwaukee Auditorium

Can't beat this one. Played w/out a hitch, Jerry nails all the lyrics, and when it's over Phil says: "And that's a true story, folks!"

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.