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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect

Comments

Jack Straw
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

^^^^Thanks all for the recs...have tried them all now & I think the matrix works best but even that suffers from too much high-endy sound...very treble heavy and other sources sound murky. Too bad b/c this really is a fine show & I'd love to hear some clean copies.
Jack Straw
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

What's the best source for this show? It looks like a real sleeper but every version I've heard so far is pretty poor sound-wise.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
June 12, 1980
Memorial Coliseum

Tell ya one thing: I've never heard a version with a better intro to "Scarlet". Full on Brent/Bobby/Jerry rhythm funk, almost 2 mins worth. Rest of the combo rips pretty well, too. If you're looking for a sleeper pick S>F that's inexplicably in the lower rungs, you've found it.
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 22, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

These uber early ‘71 versions are a hoot. Fast paced saloon swagger whiskey barroom fun.
Stella Blue
July 27, 1982
Red Rocks Ampitheatre

Such a great year for this tune and if you're looking for a crooner's delight Jerry vocal this is your Stella. Everything about this version shines.