headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DaGoodolRichard

TimelessTravel

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Submissions

6
Mama Tried
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Wedged in a energetic psychdelic explosion,this Merle Haggard classic provides a contrast in mood and direction. Jerry's twanging it up!
4
Morning Dew
Oct. 12, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

Mystery Dew! I don't think this was played during this show. Listen on the Glassberg/Miller on the archive.
4
Truckin'
May 30, 1971
Winterland Arena

If you like this song. even a little bit, you have to listen to this version! For my money this is as good as this song gets!
3
Alligator
April 23, 1969
The Ark

A crisp, cooking Allligator that was somehow missed. It transitions into Drums, then a t 11, tease, jam then the 11.
1
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
April 6, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

Good energetic show opener from a great 69 concert.
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Comments

Dark Star
Oct. 26, 1989
Miami Arena

When this song came out on 1968, the most advanced electronics where wa-wa peddles and Wurlitzer pianos. By 1989 midi and advanced digital synthesizers had become common place. The boys take the new technology to their full advantage here, especially the sound scape after the 2nd verse. Jerry has been in better vocal form, but at least that doesn't last long. Overall, this is an interesting version but far from being my favorite.
Dark Star
Feb. 27, 1969
Fillmore West

This one has a lot of energy. Bobby sounds especially good on this one; his guitar is up in the mix, which helps. The dynamics and inventiveness of Jerry's playing is displayed very well here. I wish I had been at that concert.
Dark Star
Oct. 12, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

This could be my favorite D.S, mostly because of Jerry's guitar playing. I love the tone and feed back that he was getting back then. He really builds the solo after the first verse. Then, at about 9.50 min he pulls out a country lick then returns to his souring psychedelic licks; it all works for me.
Dark Star
April 20, 1969
Clark University

This one should be much higher on the list. This one really does it for me, as do many of the 68 - 70 D.S versions. I can imagine if I was at that concert, in an altered state perhaps, my mind would have been blown, in a good way. That's how I judge Dark Stars.
Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

This is a sublime version of Dark Star. Keith's contribution on acoustic and electric piano, gives the song an added dimension that had been absent in earlier versions. The song glides along incorporating different styles in each movement then finally eases into Morning Dew. It's not the trippiest version, but it's one of the best for sure.
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