I feel like this is the equivalent to taking a K/D in the 3rd round, but since there is no judging here...
3.10
Grateful Dead
Europe 72 (1972)
Jack Straw
Ramble on Rose
Formerly the Warlocks (2010)
Uncle John's Band
Good Lovin'
Now, I realize this violates the rule of no Live/compilation albums - but I feel like every rule must have an exception. In most situations, bands go on tour to support album sales, but with the Dead, they released albums to support touring...and a studio album just does not really encompass the essence of the Dead.
Europe 72 should actually be able to stand on its own, as it does include a number of original, and otherwise unreleased, songs. Formerly the Warlocks is a boxed set officially released by the Dead in 2010, from two concerts recorded in October 1989 in Hampton, VA. It not necessarily the best compilation, but the re-introduction of Dark Star to the set caused quite the stir. But, more importantly, I was at both shows, so I feel like I am part of that album...
A couple of funny stories from the shows - Hampton had refused to allow the Grateful Dead back to the Hampton Coliseum because of all the Dead Heads the came with the band. To get around this, the band agreed to be booked as Formerly the Warlocks, and tickets limited to local outlets, and not announced as part of the original East Coast tour.. I went both nights with a different group of friends - and actually ran into my boss on the second night. Awkward.
In the event that our benevolent leader strikes my reasonable picks here - in an effort to keep the draft moving, my back-ups are:
Aoxomoxoa (1969)
St. Stephen
American Beauty (1970)
Ripple - one of my favorite dead songs