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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23517


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

Row Jimmy
Dec. 10, 1973
Charlotte Coliseum

Slow drippy- trippy -syrupy version with sweet '73 Jerry vocals. Worth getting the Download Vol 8 version for best sound quality & especially so you can hear the little trills of rhythm Bobby plays underneath Garcia's solos.
Eyes Of The World
March 28, 1973
Civic Center

Jam after the last verse is where it's at with this A+ version--absolutely scorching post-lyrics playing --fast paced aggressive but precision-laden jazz --just phenomenal.
Passenger
May 5, 1978
Thompson Arena - Dartmouth College

Lost in the shuffle -- gritty, grunge-like version with a more patient approach than many others....Garcia digs in hard.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 16, 1989
The Mecca

Such a groovy '89 rendition-not sure why it isn't much higher on the board. Brent shines especially in Fire with some great creative fills & Garcia doesn't miss a lyric. Sleeper pick here.
West L.A. Fadeaway
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Best early incarnation version I've ever heard--hands down. Would rank it overall only behind Alpine '89 and maybe Copps '90--maybe.