headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

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Submissions

13
Big River
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

The intro is longer than most. Bouncy uptempo version. Excellent jamming.
1
Alabama Getaway
Sept. 12, 1982
Lakeland Civic Center

Always a good way to open the show.
1
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 12, 1982
Lakeland Civic Center

I like the way they play this - it isn't direct and in your face. More exploratory than most.
1
Sugar Magnolia
Sept. 12, 1982
Lakeland Civic Center

Man, I love these '82 Sugar Mags. Tje energy, focus and execution. They are so damn lively - excellent fast tempo serves this song well.
4
Bertha
April 4, 1971
Manhattan Center

Show opener. Jerry soars with thunder from Phil.
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

This is a strange one. If you're looking for a seamless jam filled with peaks and grooves, it isn't here. There is almost an indifference towards the things we love about China->Rider in 1973. The highest peak Jerry hits is while the vocals are still going in China. I'm actually surprised this is ranked as high as it is. I give it credit for being different - downright weird - but as far as being able to enjoy it like San Diego or LA......no.
High Time
Aug. 29, 1969
Family Dog at the Great Highway

This showcases Jerry's faults as a singer. There are several cringe-worthy moments. No great instrumentals to salvage it.
Shakedown Street
Jan. 15, 1979
Springfield Civic Center

Shakedown, on its own, is pretty standard for the era. Jerry's voice is weak and his performance poor - he even blows the first line of the song. Sure there's some jamming, but there's that in every Shakedown. So what is it that causes this version to soar so high in the rankings? I have no idea, but I do know this - ranking it 3rd is completely ridiculous.
Eyes Of The World
June 20, 1974
The Omni

I agree. Some serious jamming going on. Very underrated. This is top 5 easily and certainly better than that abomination from 3-29-90.
Truckin'
June 20, 1974
The Omni

That jam leading into Eyes isn't Truckin'. This is another often mislabeled show. The final 8 minutes which is usually credited as Truckin' should instead be labeled Jam.
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