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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23519


Submissions

11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
16
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
14
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.
13
Brother Esau
Oct. 28, 1985
Fox Theater

Complete with kickin' cow bell, nice long intro, easily one of the best you'll find.

Comments

Terrapin Station
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

Should get a well deserved bump from the DaP50 release. Shame on me for not adding my vote sooner. Really excellent mellow flowing Terrapin
Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again
Oct. 16, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Ignore 7/7/89's ranking as #1--yes, it's a fine version--give it a listen and put it in your rotation, but having really gotten into this song lately THIS is the one. Bob's relaxed reading as the initial verses are sung is beautifully paced and timed on purpose to hold back for the latter half where he really lets loose in all his Bob glory and it's all nailed down tight In terms of flow, ease, & lyrical reading. There's also some fine instrumental breaks featuring great work by Brent and Jerry.... this really should be occupying the number one slot+. bonus points for Bobby wink-winking with the reading of the verse: "...and here I sit so patiently waiting to find out what price...you have to pay to get out of...going through all these things twice--TWICE.....oooooohhhMammma...." that's how ya give the nod to ol' Zimmer right there.
Eyes Of The World
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

Maybe the gentlest ,most melodic super sweet intro ever. The rest is pretty spectacular too...
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

youngdog is right
Franklin's Tower
Nov. 23, 1978
Capital Centre

Poking around for an overlooked, hiding in plain sight, totally underappreciated gem of a Franklin's? You found it right here. In fact the whole show it's from is kinda full of 'em. Hints of the laryngitis in Garcia's vocals that would really take hold over the next few nights but it's not full blown here yet & kinda endearing in a Jerry giving it his all sort of way