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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

12
Candyman
March 24, 1988
Omni Coliseum

Lucky enough to be at this show. Candyman blew everyone away--best song played that night. Awesome trippy guitar jam &Jer belts out vocals
42
Ramble On Rose
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

Gorgeous, incredible, up and down, carnival-like bridge jam by Jerry. Picture perfect version--no flaws
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

April '78 S>F's often mentioned are 4/16 and 4/24 (rightly so) but this one is every bit as good. Superior transition jam--, beautiful, & powerful
94
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Starts out Jazzy, explorative, takes its time, 3 minute intro, then blasts off into the stratosphere with intense Garcia-led jamming

Comments

It Must Have Been The Roses
Aug. 5, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Arena

Slightly faster tempo with this one does nothing to diminish the sweeping beauty of both the playing by the whole band and Garcia's terrific vocal reading. Just an excellent A+ version made even better by the fact that it emerges gorgeously from Half Step in one of the most seamless, underrated segues in Dead history, A first set bonus, if you will. Pull out yer DP 31 to hear it again or listen on archive. Either way, needs more climb on the ladder,
Bertha
March 27, 1993
Knickerbocker Arena

I do need to listen to more of this show. Will check out that Peggy O for sure.
Bertha
March 27, 1993
Knickerbocker Arena

Not bad for a '93. Pretty good overall in fact, mellowish version, but tight.
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Even though I submitted this one I agree with Donnie--it does NOT deserve to be #1 on this list. It's good, but not #1 good. The one I actually think belongs in the number one slot is another I submitted further down on this list: 10/12/83 at MSG, which I have no problem calling the best--being most powerful both vocally and in terms of raw instrumental gusto.
Sugaree
April 7, 1991
Orlando Arena

Never thought I'd find a Sugaree this good in 1991. Great jamming in between verses (nothing that rivals the monster '77 jams but excellent nonetheless especially for this era) and more varied contributions from the rest of the gang to fill out the edges. Great vocals from Jerry as well and no lyrical flubs, again perhaps a bit surprising given the year.