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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

4
Cumberland Blues
Aug. 14, 1971
Berkeley Community Theater

Smokin' out of control
15
Wharf Rat
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

So soulful. One of the best Wharf Rats Jerry has ever sung. All around perfect version, coming out of one sick jam.
4
He's Gone
June 20, 1983
Merriweather Post Pavilion

This is a creepy trip coming after a monster Samson
15
Johnny B. Goode
Nov. 4, 1977
Cotterell Gym - Colgate University

This gets out of control fairly quickly, when jerry takes his solo to the next level. A seriously rocking version.
24
Cassidy
Nov. 4, 1977
Cotterell Gym - Colgate University

Holy shit is this a smoker or what. Too bad they end it 5 minutes in, this version was fucking cooking.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Dec. 31, 1972
Winterland Arena

Glad you dug it Grendel. 1972 was certainly a prime year for Playin' jams. This show represents a clear transition, into 73'. A really unique perspective on the development coming full circle in many of the jams in the songs. 1973 would sound similar to the sound they achieved on this night, but slightly more developed and controlled. This show represents a very good transition out of 72' into 73'. Probably my favorite New Years show.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

Stinging leads carry this one; mainly provided by Garcia and Lesh. Keith however has some nice fills in the Help on the Way. Altogether, however, when held in a comparative lense with the other versions surrounding it, it can clearly not be considered the top version. 8-13-75, 6-9-77, 4-23-77, 10-9-76 are all better, and some others still might on future listenings take a higher spot. Don't get me wrong this version is massive, but is not the best. There are multiple flubs in the Help, and the Franklin sputters at times. It certainly gets helped immensely by the date it was played on, the night after Barton.
Bertha
Oct. 22, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Concise and strong, love Keith in this one. Garcia has a great solo. All in all Bertha was great in 71' this version proves that point.
Bird Song
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Oh man, what a song, and what a version. Melodically this one trumps most, this soars and cascades. Belongs in any discussion for top 10.
Bird Song
June 22, 1973
Pacific Coliseum

Top 3 version.