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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

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Submissions

1
Mister Charlie
Dec. 4, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

The blues is strong here, Jerry's solo is truly incredible. Keith laying it down with Pigpen in the Garden rapping up a storm. One of the best.
1
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 23, 1978
Capital Centre

The band tries to catch Jerry and wolf as they’re seemingly on the loose. Traversing through snowy mountaintops. A wonderful journey.
1
Good Lovin'
March 9, 1981
Madison Square Garden

Brent’s organ takes this to another level. I’m partial towards the Pigpen Version, but this shines in its own ways. Lovely phrasing from Jerry as well
1
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
March 9, 1981
Madison Square Garden

Shocked to not see this here yet. Absolute scorcher from a really great show. Jerry’s tone cuts through like a scorching hot knife. Skin your wife.
1
Drums
Aug. 12, 1972
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

Coming out of He's Gone. Billy goes ham, hitting the drums like a machine gun.

Comments

Dark Star
March 23, 1972
Academy of Music

I really need to immerse myself in this run of shows. A beautiful demented early 70s Dark Star that explores fungal infested terrain. This one feels haunted, a very freeform exploratory version that covers a whole bunch of themes. A beautiful display of Avant Garde musicianship from the boys on this one. Watch out for that glorious harmonious jam near the end that hints at MLB and then falls into Feelin' Groovy. I'll call this one 4/8/72's distant cousin from across the pond. Seriously love that first jam before the first verse. Leaves a lot of room for themes to explore later on. Highly recommend. PS:Small China Cat tease near the end before the last verse? let me know if anyone hears that or if I'm digging too deep lol
Dancin' in the Streets
Nov. 8, 1970
Capitol Theater

I’m very partial towards 77-79 for my Dancin’s, but even this version is groovy. The transition out of Dark Star is sick and Jerry’s rhythm playing is awesome as well.
Dark Star
Nov. 8, 1970
Capitol Theater

Absolutely cosmic jam before the first verse. So incredibly pretty, this feels very precise yet so free. Complete control of the form. The space gets deep QUICK. Hold on as we go into spaces filled with anti matter. “This is serious!” Says Bobby, which he certainly means. The band quickly start/ emulating the sounds of a UFO. Aliens interacting with this big blue ball. 4th dimensional jamming takes place as the echoes of something that once was attacks the mind. Soundscapes of extraterrestrial beings and landscapes ensue. The Necronomicon in musical form. Lots of magik in this one. The Main 10 ensues, putting anyone who listens under The Warlocks demonic spell. Dark and one of the best.
Dark Star
Sept. 19, 1970
Fillmore East

Truly as dark as they come. Jerry is full of intent right from the get go. A deep dive into silent reflection and quiet flashes of tranquility. What emerges is something that should not be. This feedback section still shakes me to my core. An electronic astral projection takes forth as a cacophony of sound summons an ancient demon right on stage. Afterwards we have serenity and peace. Brilliantly jammed out. Taken to the outer reaches of the cosmos towards the event horizon, eventually hurling towards the unknown. Top 5 for me. One of the best of all time no doubt. Rest in peace Jimi Hendrix.
Eyes Of The World
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Captures a nostalgic energy that not many Eyes are able to do in my opinion. A tornado of magik and wonder. The boys dance down yellow brick brick road in the land of Oz exploring and charting new landscapes. Love this version.