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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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parrott56

millennial head

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Submissions

7
Mama Tried
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

Deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the other punchy, galloping ’77s.
1
Jack Straw
Sept. 9, 1974
Alexandra Palace

If you’re like me, you love the intensity of these ’74 Jack Straws. This one is not to be missed.
1
Bertha
Sept. 9, 1974
Alexandra Palace

Swinging funk akin to a ’73 TLEO. Different and sharply played.
6
Franklin's Tower
Aug. 19, 1980
Uptown Theatre

Jerry’s playing with amazing ease and fluidity. One shimmering melody after another.
5
Me and Bobby McGee
June 28, 1974
Boston Garden

Played fast, sounding almost triumphant. Very cleanly played with some attention-grabbing Jerry.

Comments

Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
June 12, 1976
Music Hall

The Supplication is pure dreaminess and dripping honey. This is the first time the song has reminded me of Miles Davis’ Shhh/Peaceful.
Looks Like Rain
June 12, 1976
Music Hall

Yet another amazing LLR from the Boston Music Hall run (it was played all four nights). The midsong interlude here may be one of the best ever.
Looks Like Rain
June 11, 1976
Boston Music Hall

I’m always amazed by what a versatile song LLR was in ’76-’77. Like, say, Sugaree, there are an extraordinary number of great versions in those years, and they all capture different moods, offer different perspectives — all of that despite the structure being pretty close ended. Anyway, this one’s amazing too.
Friend of the Devil
June 10, 1976
Boston Music Hall

Shimmering, smooth, intricate, meditative, confident ... there’s a lot to love about this one.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
June 10, 1976
Boston Music Hall

Really all three parts of the triptych are exceptional. Jerry knows they’ve nailed it; he gives a “Yeah!” of approval right before the last chorus of Franklin’s.