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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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merryjerry

wacked

+6595


Submissions

9
The Wheel
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

It's so apt that The Wheel would roll into Truckin' that the outro is short but the rest is very nice.
9
Eyes Of The World
June 27, 1984
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Jerry really mines the changes on this one and pulls out plenty of little gold nuggets (like Coltrane). Good interplay, too. An inspired version.
11
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 12, 1981
Veterans' Memorial Coliseum

A cheesy video of this kickass version would have Garcia playing atop a steam locomotive as it barrels down the track.
10
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 18, 1972
Fox Theater

Incomplete, but what remains is top-notch and essential.
10
Me and Bobby McGee
March 26, 1973
Baltimore Civic Center

I just gotta nominate this one, that's all.

Comments

Jack Straw
Oct. 10, 1980
Warfield Theater

Undeservedly low on the list. Check it out in all it's gooey-crystalline-sounding splendor on the 'Dead Set' reissue.
Shakedown Street
Oct. 7, 1980
Warfield Theater

A lean Shakedown that still manages to deliver the goods. Included as one of the bonus tracks on the 'Dead Set' reissue--and it sounds great!
The Other One
March 1, 1969
Fillmore West

Slashing razer wire with rainbow trailers! The 'Cryptical' hasn't yet been submitted (it's a good one), but that's okay, as this is probably better off just being considered in its entirety as a 'TIFTOO'.
Dark Star
Sept. 16, 1972
Boston Music Hall

Another reason why Sept. '72 is up there as one of best months for Dark Star in the band's career. This version features many unique and delicious moments. Ned Lagin sits in. Also, I love the audience jubilation that can be heard in the beginning on the nice Sick Bits matrix--it's enough to get one all misty-eyed.
Weather Report Suite
Nov. 30, 1973
Boston Music Hall

I would, if pressed, say that this version here features some of the finest playing by Jerry on this very good night, with him sometimes even leaving everyone else in the dust. Still, Bob sings well and everyone really syncs for the outro. Overall, a fine version that offers healthy bites of unique magic.