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

Shakedown Street
Oct. 25, 1979
New Haven Coliseum

I love Shakedown. I think it's the best live home-town song the Dead could play for you. I have a major issue with this - the first 7+ minutes are ruined by the high, loud tone Brent is playing. When he hits the FUNK key, I can get into the jam - which is amazing. When he goes back to his initial sound, the tone isn't as high and it doesn't bother me as much. Maybe I'm fussy, maybe I have sensitive ears, but that really bothered me.
Truckin'
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

13 comments and nobody mentions Keith? If you ever wondered what the boys saw in him, give this another listen and follow his playing. He's the one that starts playing the Other One and at times when nobody else is, he starts noodling around with it again. In sharp contrast, this also shows what a liability Pigpen can be as a musician.
Sing Me Back Home
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

This version is long, because a verse is repeated. Yes, Donna sounds great - this song was her highlight reel. At times though, Jerry's vocals dissolve into silence, and, for me, Pigpen ruins things to a great extent with his horrible monotone noise. Sorry, but I can't give this the nod over 8-27-72.
To Lay Me Down
June 23, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

Anyone who thinks 9-18-90 or 9-26-80 is better than this is an idiot. Yes, that's right - I'm calling you out as a fool. Those versions have Jerry singing with a broken and shot voice. This version is sweet as true. Put your personal bias aside and listen to the music play. If you do, you will know this is the best version out there.
Deep Elem Blues
April 14, 1982
Glenns Falls Civic Center

Jerry's voice is within his range for this song, allowing him to bump things up a bit to accent thing. The first instrumental break, it's the second go at it where Jerry shines. On the next break, he's shining through on the second and third pass. Definately worth a listen.
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