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Submissions

6
St. Stephen
May 6, 1970
Kresge Plaza - MIT

The jam during this blows me away every time. Pure psychedelic bliss. An argument could easily be made that this is the definitive version.
13
Easy Wind
April 4, 1971
Manhattan Center

Powerful and driving blues jam, with a unique ending. Garcia tears this one up, and Lesh provides a great hollow bass sound.
9
Nobody's Fault But Mine
May 20, 1973
U.C.

Off the rails, intense blues jamming.
6
Eyes Of The World
April 8, 1991
Orlando Arena

Relaxed, controlled, and tight. Garcia owns this one.
5
New Minglewood Blues
May 19, 1966
Avalon Ballroom

Insane early version. Weir goes off on the vocals, and there is some energetic old time Dead jamming.

Comments

Casey Jones
May 26, 1973
Kezar Stadium

Smokin!
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
May 26, 1973
Kezar Stadium

One of my favorite versions, great fill-ins by Keith and Lesh. Garcia leads this one well, and although a slight flub his lyrics are heartfelt and soulful. The leads are punchy and flow well. Achieves everything I look for in a Mississippi Uptown. In addition, one of my favorite shows, from my favorite year of Grateful Dead music.
Ship of Fools
June 23, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

This version for me is slightly better than the 5.9.77 version, and for me personally the reason stems from the fact that the 1974 sound in my opinion suited this song's mood better than latter day versions. Being one of my favorite Jerry tunes, this version satisfies my need for a great ship of fools. Whenever I want to listen to one this is the one I choose.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Legendary. That transition is mind-blowing. The fire is a fluid and all together rewarding stream of licks and improvisational greatness.
Jack Straw
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

The lead-up into "Jack Straw from Witchita" is off the friggen' chain. Garcia goes berserk and the whole band rips it apart.