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Bust outs that were best ever versions - is this possible?


John A

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Let’s talk Grateful Dead for a moment if we may.

 

What are Dead bust outs that persevere as arguably best ever versions?  Common sense suggests this would be a rare occurrence at best. 

 

I’ll throw out a double dose of Dylan:

 

Quinn The Eskimo, 12/30/85.  Opening the second set in a high energy and crackling manner.  I don’t know that they ever equaled it. 

 

Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, 7/6/87.  Coming out of space, with members of the Neville Brothers, and just as soulful and gorgeous as one could imagine.  

 

One other, and admittedly quite controversial entry: Terrapin Station, 2/26/77 to open the show.  Now clearly there have been plenty of Terrapins that went many places this one never imagined.   But it was literally note for note, word for word perfect, coming out of nowhere as the opener.  It’s hard to ignore the “dear god what is this thing of majesty?” jaw dropping element that must have permeated the Swing Auditorium.

 

Anyone want to offer up any others?

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Wonderful suggestion for a discussion. I don't know the history well enough to comment on any break outs but I will be very interested in the talk. 

 

So lets hear from some of the more informed Dead Heads out there.....  Chuck, I bet you can add a few after you wake up in that western time zone.

 

Peace,Love, and new songs for All

Doc

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2-9-73 had some great bust outs. China doll, an untraditional loose lucy, and a nearly 19 minute eyes to name a few.

Also the bust out of Reuben and Cherise for the first time by GD on 3-17-91 is probably one of my favorite versions of that one. But crowd reaction is a big factor. Gives me chills every time.

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Not the very first but help slip Franklin from 6/3/76 is one of the,first and first show back together. I know they played a,few in 75.

2/18/71 contains great first versions of Bertha greatest story wharf rat, and playin. I would shy from saying best ever but they were certainly rehearshed. Mickey takes a few years off after the gig.

10/19/71 also has a,ton of bust outs and the comes a time is magical. Those early comes a time were dripping with emotion.

Also Keith first show.

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Would say Cassidy 3.23.74, https://archive.org/....lai.1186.shnf 

really beautiful version vocally, just not much of a jam, only one with the "do, do, do, do, do's  " love when Phil chimes in and love Donna's exaggeration throughout 

 

Crazy Fingers as well, first time they ever played it, 6.17.75 https://archive.org/...MS.96125.flac16

if you haven't heard this i think you will agree..also the only time they ever opened a show with it ..jerry's singing is devine..an incredible version for it's first time performed..and then it's bustout in '82 after being put in the backseat since '76, 7.18.82 https://archive.org/...ter.102176.flac

 

Mr. Fantasy. 6.14.84 Red Rocks, https://archive.org/...804.sbeok.shnf 
Jerry is playing the opening notes to China Doll as Brent just breaks it out..my fave version of this...Jerry predominantly backs Brent vocally and has nice guitar work

 

talk of the 4 reuben&che's remind me of  the first of the four sept.87 La Bamba's..bustout is the best one https://archive.org/...r.106821.flac16

 

nice thread idea John !

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Torin - Nice submissions!

 

Cassidy is curious, as they played it once then retired it until '76.  I wonder what that was about.  I would disqualify the '74 version on the "no jam" front, however.

 

Crazy Fingers is an interesting one as well, and I think the "re-bust out" in '82 makes a good case for best ever.  Hell of a jam in that one (and yes, Garcia's vocals are superb on the actual bust out, 6-17-75).

 

The early Mr. Fantasys did have a special sort of raw energy, but I greatly prefer the Alpine night, 7/6/84, from later in that summer tour.  Garcia puts down the pedal and refuses to let it up.

 

As for La Bamba, I'll let the debate rage on. :D

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