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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

1
Big Railroad Blues
Dec. 31, 1970
Winterland Arena

Not on the list, but hidden in an unfortunately cut Easy Wind. Tinny recording but killer, fast, and furious jamming.
7
Smokestack Lightnin'
Dec. 28, 1970
Legion Stadium

Soulful pure blues. This is an intimate, informal show. It ain't slick, and that's just fine.
1
Playin' In The Band
April 15, 1971
Allegheny College

Only 2 months old, and 22nd time: They were working hard on it, and you can hear the explosive potential. Manic warbler mode, Main 10 at the surface.
1
Truckin'
Dec. 28, 1970
Legion Stadium

Tight simmering burner here, with nice Bobby/Jerry mix levels. Pig on organ is a little lost, so try headphones for some fun.
1
Me and Bobby McGee
Dec. 27, 1970
Legion Stadium

Starts simple and grows into a triumph. Can't help but think these meant a lot to the boys right after JJ's passing. Beautiful.

Comments

The Other One
March 1, 1969
Fillmore West

This is the Danger Dead and it doesn't ask politely. It's hold on tight and hang on man, because this one left some casualties behind. Phil pushes everyone ever upwards and Jerry has that buzz-saw tone, leaving smoking craters behind him with every note. It's lightning fast, jaw-grinding, white-knuckle territory. The ensemble mind at this level of energy is just incredible. And agreed. MORE primal '69 Dead here please!
High Time
May 1, 1970
Alfred College

Feels like a feather bed, its so gentle, comfy, and warm. And coming out of soul-blistering TOO, this probably felt like a soft landing for everyone. This version shows off just how peak '70 is for vocals, along with the whole show ranging across country, blooze, gospel, hard rock, and strong acid shivers.
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
May 1, 1977
The Palladium

Boomy or not, Phil's contribution to this makes it special. He bips and bops under Jerry's solo transitioning out of LL and the whole band kicks up the dust and comes together for a great ride. The jagged odd-meter of LL>S and the sparkly angular tweak that Bobby brings make this a white-knuckler that you've got to just hang on and let ride. I think this show is relatively underappreciated next to others in this run... give it a go and you will not be disappointed.
Cassidy
May 1, 1977
The Palladium

I think this could be rated much much higher if people would give it a chance. There are a lot to choose from 'natch, but Jerry is shredding, and it doesn't feel slower at all. The harmonies, the tight orchestration, the beautiful words and Bobby and Donna sweetness give this one a turn-on-a-dime Neil-at-the-wheel feeling like dozing off in the safety of home-on-the-road, and love, and racing through the empty miles in that Cadillac.
Ramble On Rose
May 1, 1977
The Palladium

The rowdy crowd fills out the AUD nicely, and this Ramble on Rose is high energy to match.