The Cowboy Junkies cover is nice, but nothing beats the original:
Though this early version is nice (especially sone of the different lyrics):
This slow live version is a great way to start the day (or to end the night):
I do enjoy the indulgence of the guitar intro on this version:
And this one is possibly the most entertaining of them all ("I like middle people"):
I think this is the best China/Rider I have ever heard. The harmonies are a perfect blend of unison and dissonance. And Jerry was ON that night plucking the strings.
China/Rider - 8-27-72
While we're at it, the Sing Me Back home from this show is at least a top 3. Jerry totally flubbs the third verse (repeats the second rather than the first), but Donna's wailing tiotally makes up for it (and then some!).
Sing Me Back Home - 8-27-72
As greentanktop reminded me earlier, January 27 is Nick Mason's birthday. Here is one of my favorite songs he co-authored.
If this does not psych you up, cash in your chips, because you're done.
Here is my favorite version of the most beautiful song ever written. This is from the "Take No Prisoners" recordings from 1978 at CBGB's.
At least a few awesome bands still make ridiculously long, ridiculously brilliant songs.