Loser
March 24, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena
One of the very best of the era for sure, but the best for all time? I don't think so. But I'm more partial to earlier eras of the Dead. Its arguments like these that bring to light the certain preexisting biases individuals bring before voting on "best ever" versions. I prefer earlier, pastoral versions like 8/6/71 and 2/26/73, and stately versions like 5/19/77 and 12/29/77. Tonight's version, from a technical, jam heavy, and emotive standpoint arguably beat my favorite versions. But I won't vote for it because I simply don't like the 1990s Dead sound nearly as much as the 1970s Dead sound. And therein lies the problem. We vote for what we like, not necessarily what we really think is the best. Are they mutually exclusive? I don't think they have to be. Music is subjective, objectively speaking!