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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

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Submissions

1
Beat it on Down The Line
Sept. 3, 1972
Folsom Field, University of Colorado

Jerry’s solo is off the walls crazy. A train going top speed and I promise that train won’t slow down! Great energy here overall.
1
Cryptical Envelopment
Nov. 11, 1970
49th Street Rock Palace

As Jerry shouts, “You know he had to die.” BANG! A massive gunshot right on rhythm. Great reprise with great drum work from Billy and Mickey.
1
The Other One
Nov. 11, 1970
49th Street Rock Palace

Jerry takes off and soars. Gets really heavy, and out there FAST. Experimental passages and new themes explored. This is what the Dead do best.
1
Drums
Nov. 11, 1970
49th Street Rock Palace

Billy and Mickey flowing in and out of the main TOO rhythms. They’re both putting each other to the test as they really get deep in this one.
2
Uncle John's Band
July 11, 1970
Fillmore East

“At this risk of being repetitious we’re going to do another song in the key of G.”-Bob Weir. This version is quite sweet. Patchy audio, great version

Comments

Playin' In The Band
April 24, 1972
Rheinhalle

General J. Garcia takes full command of the music and sends everybody within a 100 foot radius spiraling into 4th dimensional exploration. This music truly gives meaning to the phrase: Above, So Below. One of my all time favorite versions. A sweet, sweet treat that I will listen to over and over and over again. Love revisiting this version and show.
Death Don't Have No Mercy
April 20, 1969
Clark University

Dangerous solo. Haunting, shadowy, and brilliantly spooky, really great display of the bands dynamics as well.
Doin' That Rag
April 20, 1969
Clark University

Really great version that caught my ear, bouncy and captures that 69 sound so well.
The Harder They Come
May 20, 1990
Hilo Civic Auditorium

This might be my favorite version. For a whole month or so I would listen to this version multiple times daily as I would take my guitar and jam away for hours on end. It’s fun, free spirited, and a beautiful example of the pinnacle of Jerry’s musical expression in the later era of his life. Stunning vocals with great lead work from Jerry, that his him playing with such pure intention that listening is like a baptism in sound. I really love the pre hiatus versions and the versions from 76-78, but this just has that charm that hits me like no other, and Merl with that “steel pan” solo? Come on now. Just plain fun. Beautiful island vibes from this version.
Catfish John
Feb. 18, 1978
Veterans Memorial Auditorium

I wish I could list Lonesome And Long Way From Home from this show as well. That version is my all time favorite with one of my favorite deep spaces Jerry’s ever explored. His tone is so crystal clear and his playing is a real display of pure virtuosity with him channeling Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, and Art Tatum so seamlessly in these jazzy free form spaces. For 78 it gets really out there. That being said check out this whole show, some of the best JGB material out there.