Grateful Dead Best version EVER?

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June 4, 2007 - 10:00am

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marye

Joined:
May 26, 2007

So, what are your all-time greats?

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April 30, 2008 - 1:44pm

#171

Deadly

Joined:
April 24, 2008

Any Ideas Of Best DAYS BETWEEN ?

I shy away from anything post Brent so my exposure to Days Between is limited. Anyone have a favorite version of Days Between ? To me, that song is Jerry and Hunter at there finest. Thanks in advance....
April 30, 2008 - 11:09am

#172

sgrmag2564

Joined:
April 21, 2008

Merriweather

I have a couple favorites here, First Sugar Magnolia June 20 1983, the absolute best Sgr Mag I have ever heard, live, tape, cd, what have you. The mud, rain and the energy of the audience, wow, I'm getting chills thinking about it. The same show the Truckin was awesome, the lightning hitting somewhere close by and killing the power for about 2 seconds, most bands would have started the song over, but not our boys, seemed like they picked up with the very next note and finished with a bang. The next year June 26 1984, they opened the first night with, what I thought was a space, but turned into Casey Jones. I lost count of visited shows around 50 and that was the only CJ I saw live.
April 29, 2008 - 8:37pm

#173

yuletime

Joined:
April 23, 2008

sugaree

Rochester NY - 9/1980
April 26, 2008 - 11:38pm

#174

stuman

Joined:
November 21, 2007

76 Philly tower theater

http://www.archive.org/details/gd76-06-22.aud.vernon.6680.sbeok.shnfhtt… http://www.archive.org/details/gd76-06-21.aud.vernon.6679.sbeok.shnf here you go Joe .. all 3 are downloadable .. Enjoy !!
April 26, 2008 - 10:43pm

#175

fatumseye

Joined:
April 26, 2008

lookin for a show ? my FAVORITE help!!!!

I could use a little help finding a tour date.Back in the 90`s me and my friend Dan went to several shows and became grate fans of the Dead. Dan collected 100`s of tapes that we would spend our evenings listening to shows, wishing we where at them all. One show hit me like no other during those days, The energy from Jerry and the Band had me bouncing in the sky. I think it was in `76 at the Philly spectrum? Is it possible they played the spectrum in `76. If so would anyone have a great copy to $$. That top 20 sounds like something I be interested in also!! Gratefully, Fatumseye (Joe)
April 23, 2008 - 10:19pm

#176

AndLeaveItOn

Joined:
April 23, 2008

Top 20

They've always said that with The Dead, it's not about performing the song perfectly, but rather the energy and emotion ... whether measuring in terms of a song, a show, a run, or even a tour. If I were writing this ten years ago, I'd probably have 100 songs on this list. But where Dick says the preference changes daily, I would say my list dwindles daily. That's not to say the ones that fall to the wayside aren't still great ... But I'm eternally searching for the perfect list to hand to a newcomer, and be able to confidently say "THIS is why people love The Dead." I believe there are a handful of songs that not only have great energy and emotion, but are also note perfect. (Or damn near) Here, I humbly submit my top 20 favorite performances, in no particular order. Thanks for reading.... Oh, PS- I hope this doesn't come off as pretentious. I got a TON of great suggestions from this forum, and I just wanted to return the favor. Thank you! DARK STAR 11/08/69 (dp 16) Packs all of the punch of a 30 minute jam into about 15 ... Very distinctive version for '69 LOVELIGHT 04/27/71 (ladies & gents....) Pigpen in all of his glory.... LOOKS LIKE RAIN 04/08/72 (europe '72 remaster bonus track) Jerry on pedal steel. Prettiest version I've ever heard. (Just look the other way when Jerry flubs a chord at the end of the solo....) ONE MORE SATURDAY NIGHT 04/08/72 (steppin' out) I've never heard them rock quite like this, except for this one other time.... (See GDTRFB) CHINA CAT / RIDER 06/26/74 (dp 12) I'm baffled as to why no one ever talks about this one. It's 20+ minutes of lazy and in-the-pocket groove. Great harmonies, too. GDTRFB 10/18/74 (gd movie/soundtrack) Explosive! I have never heard this much pure intensity in straight rock terms. A must hear! BROWN-EYED WOMEN 05/08/77 Yeah, I know ... Cornell, blah blah blah. :) But I have yet to hear a funkier version. 12/26/79 (dp 5) is pretty damn close, though.... MISSISSIPPI HALF-STEP 09/03/77 Another show that gets accused of being overrated. Although I mostly agree, there has never been another Half-Step that I've heard that reaches these heights. Make sure you listen to the build in the middle. LET IT GROW 10/11/77 (road trips vol. 1, no. 2) I felt like I got run over by a train the first time I heard this. Hopefully you will, too. :) LOSER 12/29/77 (dp10) I read somewhere that Jerry played a different guitar this night. I don't know if the rumor is true, but the solo is STINGING. A very unique sounding solo for this song, and it's full of passion. ESTIMATED PROPHET 08/12/79 (so many roads box) Perfect transitions, Brent's solo ... 'Nuff said! HE'S GONE -> CAUTION JAM 05/06/81 (dp 13) This is a very dark and murky version of He's Gone, and comes off even more heartfelt than other versions I've heard. As far as the Caution Jam is concerned, all I can say is "WTF???" LOST SAILOR 06/15/85 I've always had a soft spot for this song. Bob sings beautifully, and the music is flawless. COMES A TIME 11/01/85 (dp 21) So, you think the song's over and drifting off into "Space," then BAM!, they all fall back into it perfectly. I've listened to that section 100 times, and I STILL can't figure out how the hell they did that! You have to hear this performance. MORNING DEW 09/18/87 Ok, it is very important that you hear this. Easily the most emotional Jerry performance I've ever heard. Just listen the way he pours his soul into his vocals, and later, the guitar solo. There's this one note ... this ONE note he hammers near the very end ... Man, my hair stands up just thinking about it. If this list were only a "top three," this would be in it. PLAYING IN THE BAND 07/29/88 (so many roads box) A pretty rare, un-separated version. The middle, "main ten" jam builds and builds until it sounds like the world is coming to an end! Once the damage has been done, you hear them quietly crawling out of the rubble before they hit the last chorus. BOX OF RAIN 07/19/89 (phil zone) Perfect. The definitive live version. STUCK INSIDE OF MOBILE WITH THE MEMPHIS BLUES AGAIN 10/09/89 Bob really hams it up on this one, and it sounds like the rest of the band is supporting him 100%. Sooooo much power and energy coming across here, and the guys seem to be having a great time. SCARLET / FIRE 03/22/90 (so many roads box) This is the hardest tune(s) for me to find an absolute favorite performance of, but I think most of you will agree that this is a great one. Pretty economical for a s/f, clocking in at only 20 minutes or so. It's virtually flawless though, and that's why I chose it. STELLA BLUE 08/01/94 I dare you to get a copy of this and not tear up when you hear Jerry sing at the end. I prefer SBs to audience tapes, but this one you almost need the audience recording to hear the fans' reactions, and to get the full effect. I cried when I heard this for the fist time.
February 25, 2008 - 3:14pm

#177

Oroboros

Joined:
June 4, 2007

I believe

that would be the Dark Star from 12-6-73 show at the Cleveland Convention Center that clocks in at over 40 minutes (and then segues>Eyes of the World>Stella Blue>Sugar Magnolia!) but I don't have that one. Good luck in your search, dhk!
February 25, 2008 - 6:21am

#178

deadheadkid

Joined:
October 21, 2007

hey

I heard there was a fourty minute dark star cut. Any one know where i could get my paws on it? I love darkstar. my cousin's tribute band did some awesome jams based off of it recently and i would love to hear some originals.Kid
February 18, 2008 - 2:18pm

#179

canimAl

Joined:
June 5, 2007

Will take it with me

I like picasso moon. I memorized the whole song lyrics. I used them at last during "the Glow".
January 9, 2008 - 2:32pm

#180

c_c

Joined:
June 4, 2007

I was there, too

I was there, too, mom. you see? we HAVE danced together! grate show. peace.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Personal Favorites

So, what are your all-time greats?

best is subjective, but these versions are my favorites and they are all from 2/18/1971, last show with Mickey for several years ... *Bertha *Loser Hard to Handle *Wharf Rat (with Beautiful Jam!) Me and My Uncle Me and Bobby McGee Big Boss Man Candyman Uncle John's Band * - first time ever played Bertha is very cool because it has this little coda at the end of the song, and this version is the only time it was ever played. My 3rd show, and the first time I was ever psychedelic at a show. New Riders opened the show with a great set. One of the best nights Jerry ever had, imho. You can't go wrong with this show.

Morning Dew 12 30 1987

This one will give you goose bumps.

China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider 06/22/74

First night of two at the Jai-Alai Fronton in Miami. This is without a doubt my favorite China/Rider of all. The jam out of China Cat is second to none in my opinion. It is a complete work of art filled with masterful playing by all, with with one peak after another, a continuously building crescendo that literally explodes into Rider. The first time I heard it, it nearly blew my mind and still has an incredible effect on me to this day.

Mr Charlie

Hollywood Bowl? 1971. pure funk. I barely even recognized it the first time I heard it. I really like "traditional" Mr C...but this one is tops...IMO, of course. Your mileage may vary

Black Peter, Illinois

My personal favorite is the peformance of "Black Peter", Northern Illinois University, 1977.
I am from europe, and was studying at the university from 1976-1979. I didnt know the dead before that show, but i have loved them ever since. Love from Denmark.

Best regards
Søren Jespersen
Writer at https://bedste-blackfriday-tilbud.dk/

In the end - Linkin Park

Just for today...

Cow Palace New Years Eve 1976. Simply because I just listened to it! No doubt, tomorrow will bring a new favourite 😎

Loser 10/15/76

This one doesn't show up on headyversion, but it's a really good one.

https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1976/10/15/loser?source=90753

Linkin Park is the best all…

Linkin Park is the best all time.

Terrapin

I had a whim to find a Terrapin above Terrapins. The one that will send shivers down my spine and fill me up with cascading sound fields each and every listen.

I listened to all the ones I have, not that many, maybe 6-7 and this is what I found:

The infamous version from Englishtown '77 still stands out quite a bit. It was my first show and I thought I was just playing favorites, but indeed it quite a wonderful version.

The other one I liked was from 03/03/1990 Nassau Coliiseum

It was also and quite education to listen to Robert Hunter Jack O' Roses acoustic studio version which clocks in at 15:58

But, I thought I would ask here as I know I will get some solid sound advice.

My personal favorite is the peformance

Best regards
Writer at https://www.ellipticalaudit.com/
Patkerr

Greek Theater: 5/21/82: Playin>UJB

I can only talk about what I actually saw. The second set opener at the magnificent Greek Theater, Berkley, was the best. They came out in a rather excited state to start the set. Then, they just erupted into a musical superlative. The jam into drums was a Bobby/Brent thing I never saw at any other show. Then the sun set. People need to listen to that 40 minutes turned up real loud. Archive.org has a Charlie Miller sound board that will do you well.
Sure there are probably better Playin>Uncle John's, but that one was a best for me. The energy!

The Great American Music…

The Great American Music Hall for sure.....one from the vault 1975.....the best version of eyes ever.....Jerry's solo's are out of this world

Walking Into Bickershaw Festival with a Miners Family

Seeing the Dead at Bickershaw with a miner and his family ( wife and several kids ). They had given myself and a friend a ride to the site and i invited them along....we all just walked in. I had paid they hadn`t but it didn`t matter. We all watched and listened totally transfixed......magical time

Best Terrapins

The one from 3-18-77 with the Alhambra / Terrapin Flyer jam afterwards is pretty cool.

Some great ones from the 80's are 4/14/84 Hampton, 3/23/87 Hampton and 4/6/87 Brendan Byrne. That Spring tour in 87 they were pumped up and the Terrapin outros in particular are smokin. Also the Brendan Byrne one comes out of Space and goes into The Other One, so there's that...

5/26/77 Terrapin

First time I heard it live after only having heard it on vinyl. I "got it" then. Was not too sure about it based on the album

Alvin Lee from Ten Years…

Alvin Lee from Ten Years Later - Hey Joe

Alvin Lee from Ten Years…

Alvin Lee from Ten Years Later! I have a compilation of videos about this and download it through this tool videopower.me/tips/category-videopower-red/download-video-from-a-website/

Just one of the all time greats...

Can we coax David and company to release 4-21-69, The Arc, Boston, Mass. for the next Dave's Pick release?

Please? Pretty Please?

Forever dedicated to great Dark Stars.....

Favorite Dark Star/The Other One

I stumbled across this beautiful set of 08/03/1969... There's a saxophonist that joins in on the jams and I particularly enjoyed the way Phil Lesh played around with this interesting jazzy addition to the band. It definitely gave me more understanding in the way Phil plays the bass. And seeing as he was a trumpet player originally and wrote several Jazz pieces as a composer before meeting the band, we can hear and feel this is right up his alley. Best version so far in my books

I found a new favorite but I…

I found a new favorite but I need some help. What live version of It Looks like Rains is it that ends with Jerry singing What A Wonderful World?

Best Bucket opener

7-2-87

Archive.org best version is not the mixed one fwiw - great energetic show - can't go wrong with the entire show, band was tight - no good copies of the show exist due to rain heat and humidity unfortunately but local tv station caught first 4 songs and it is on youtube fyi

Fillmore East 2/1170?

Dead with Allman Brothers & Peter Green Fillmore East 2/1170? How about a release form the vaults?

9-2-88 Mt. Rushmore

Just went back and listened to the Charlie Miller mix of 9-2-88. Just amazing. The second set alone is worthy of a Dick or Dave's....how about some fall of '88 love with those Picks!
This show is on the Mt. Rushmore for me with 8/27/72, 8/13/75, 5/22/77 and 8/6/74. Fall '88 is very nice overall but juxtapose this with a hot 10/2/88 and you can hear the extra oomph in 8/27/88. Listen to the Stella's from both and you can hear how the Cap Center one is far more on point. This show has my go to Wheel, Watchtower, Scarlet/Fire, Sugar Mag and Stella....hence, Rushmore.

Unbroken Chains from…

Unbroken Chains from Grateful Dead from the Mars Hotel. Phil Lesh sings and he is fabulous. This song has meant more to me that any other.

McNichols 7-13-81 Full show…

McNichols 7-13-81
Full show was fabulous but second set was !!!!!!!!!!

Given, I'm young in terms of…

Given, I'm young in terms of deadheads at 54, so only saw the Grateful Dead around 10 times. Of those shows, June 23, 1990 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. One of those shows where you would swear they control the weather.

As for Dead & Co which I haven't missed any of the Boulder shows since I live here. Honestly, July 3rd, 2023, the last night in Boulder this summer was just over the top. Most of the Boulder Dead & Co have been great. June 18, 2022 & July 6, 2019 were also especially good.