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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1585


Submissions

11
Cassidy
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

The previous night's version was tasty, but this one is delicious. The nomination for this one is long overdue. The whole show is quintessential '76
2
Bird Song
Dec. 26, 1981
Oakland Auditorium

Whoa! This one somehow slipped through the cracks - A hidden gem for sure!
7
Jack Straw
Oct. 31, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

Opens the first electric set from the last (and best) show from the 8 night run at NYC's Radio City Music Hall. Its nomination is long overdue!
5
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 17, 1978
Winterland Arena

This should be on the map. Follow it to find the treasure!
3
Me and My Uncle
June 8, 1974
Coliseum Stadium

Alert! This one not a throw-away. The best one of '74, no foolin'. Played with a perfect balance of gusto, gumption & grit.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Feb. 24, 1973
University of Iowa

February '73 Playin's are a force to be reckoned with! In fact, I'd like to go down on record as claiming it's the single greatest month in GD history in terms of so many superlative versions played within such a short time span. Listen with wonderment.
Bird Song
Feb. 22, 1973
Assembly Hall, University of Illinois

Criminally underrated version. This one has that February '73 magic. Catch this bird if you can.
The Other One
Feb. 19, 1973
International Amphitheatre

One of the most underrated versions out there, to be sure. Philophiles can have a field day with this one. If you're just discovering this one for the first time, I envy you...
Bird Song
Feb. 17, 1973
St. Paul Auditorium

This Birdsong takes flight early, spreads its mighty wings, and rides a thermal of musical energy that'll take you there if you allow it. It's one of the best of the year, in a year packed with stellar versions.
Playin' In The Band
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

All versions performed in February of ‘73 are superlative, but this one is truly unique. Spanning only 15 minutes, this “Playin’” is kept on a shorter leash for the era, but not a note is wasted. It’s reminiscent of the more energetic, compact versions offered during the European tour the previous year, but it’s infused with more measured and thoughtful directions. Jerry seems to place his notes and voiced phrases with careful lyrical expression. At the 2:55 mark, he employs his familiar “underwater” tone, exploring various peaks and valleys before arriving at a segment described by a reviewer as a “wonderful, spooky jam.” Commencing at 7:10, Jerry plays a repeating lick for 20 seconds before the pseudo theme dissolves into an impressionistic jazz wash with Keith and Billy banging, and Phil deftly milking his bass. At 11:55, the band journeys into an almost quiet, spacey abyss for a moment before Jerry hints the telltale notes to bring them back home… but hold your horses! Jerry then mysteriously drops out for a few seconds, before returning in earnest with a swirling flurry of dreamy, delicate notes that seemingly dance off his fret-board effortlessly.