headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DaGoodolRichard

TimelessTravel

+1563


Submissions

4
Beat it on Down The Line
March 12, 1966
Danish Center

This could have been the debute of this song. A very young Bobby is kind of yelling it. It's interesting to hear how these early covers evolved.
1
Black Peter
Oct. 25, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

This is a beautiful and emotional version, it's hard to hear over the crowd noise, but they where digging it!
3
Cream Puff War
Dec. 4, 1966
The Matrix Club

Every bit as good as 12-01-66. in my oponion. Tight and energetic.
2
New Minglewood Blues
Aug. 2, 1976
Colt Park

Bobby was singing with clarity and authority on this one. This is a good tight version.
2
Samson and Delilah
Aug. 2, 1976
Colt Park

Billy and Micky lay down a tight rythm for every one to lock into, and they do. Crowd noize on all sources that i've heard.

Comments

Brokedown Palace
Oct. 3, 1980
Warfield Theater

This is Arguably the most beautiful Hunter/Garcia song. It sounds like it could have been wrtten a century earlier then 1970. Robrrt Hunter penned this masterpiece, along with Ripple and To Lay Me Down, in one drunkin afternoon. Jerry added the perfect melody to this song. Jerry's truthfull vocal along with spot on harmonies and Brents organ, make this the best version that I've heard.
Ripple
Sept. 26, 1980
Warfield Theater

This song is about as close as Robert Hunter got to a God reference: " let it be known there is a fountain that was not made by the hands of men". When Hunter was asked about his favorite lyric, he quoted this one. For the dead family this song is like going to church. This is one of the best versions, even Otis had to come on stage for this one!
Stella Blue
June 18, 1974
Freedom Hall

Robeet Hunter tells us of a man who has nothing left in his life other then a broken angels song abut Stella Blue, the central figure in his life who must have broke him. Jerry sets these profound words to a beautiful, haunting melody. There are a lot of good versions, but this is one of the most authentic. I prefer 07/05/81, but it doesn't appear on Heady Version so I can't vote or comment on that beutiful version.
Wharf Rat
April 22, 1978
Nashville Municipal Auditorium

This is another Robert Hunter, Existential, masterpiece. This is a story of a man who's shattered life is beyond repair but he still manages to find some hope: "I'll get up and fly away". This version interprets those words, and Jerry's haunting melody, better then any that I've heard.
Comes A Time
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

This is, arguably, the most profound lyrical masterpiece that Robert hunter wrote. Pared with Jerry's brilliant musical interpretation, the two came up with an existential ballad that all human beings can relate to, at some point in their lives. This performance conveys the felling of those words better then any that I've heard, although some of the other May/77versions, 05/04 and 05/12 for example, come pretty close. The ringing tone of Jerry's soaring guitar solo and Donna's perfectly executed harmonies make this version really stand out. RIP Robert Hunter!