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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

13
Brown Eyed Women
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

I had forgotten how much I love this show! From BEW to the end this show provides some exemplary playing. This BEW is butter, clean as a whistle.
12
Me and My Uncle
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Very, very tight version. Weir goes crazy, and screams. Really good rendition, in a hot show.
15
Sugaree
Nov. 24, 1978
Capitol Theatre

Garcia gives it his all. Rippin' solos, and clear concise leads. Voice is a little rough, but he manages to hit pretty high levels of insanity.
12
West L.A. Fadeaway
Dec. 31, 1988
Oakland Coliseum Arena

Big version w/ Clarence Clemons on sax
11
West L.A. Fadeaway
Sept. 30, 1989
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Strong Jerry solo.

Comments

Hard to Handle
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

Although Jerry doesn't have the clearest twists and turns in his solo, it is still coherent enough--melodically-- to be considered a top H2H solo. This song is generally a pretty good barometer to test if Jerry is really on during a specific performance. He rips this version up basically meaning he's on this show, check it out.
Mister Charlie
Aug. 6, 1971
Hollywood Palladium

Power packed but condensed to such a sort time frame that it feels at any moment the song will just combust and explode. If you want to dabble in labeling certain versions "best ever" or whatever, this one certainly qualifies. Flawless energetic and booming.
Stella Blue
Oct. 14, 1983
Hartford Civic Center

Sublime and serene, regardless of era, the emotion of this version stands out. Vocals are chill evoking, great song, this version does it proper justice.
Black Peter
June 5, 1970
Fillmore West

Surprised hadn't been posted earlier. One of the best acoustic Black Peter's i've heard. Garcia sounds great. Dark but not intrusively so, last verses especially are powerful in a way only this song can provide.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 11, 1973
Winterland Arena

Certainly one of the top versions, probably top 5. Seamless transition, one of the better China Cats ever and the Rider smokes quick. Impossible to go wrong with Fall 73'