headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


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
Oct. 19, 1973
Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena

I think this one is overrated. The one from LA just below it is much better.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

Wow. The transition is 5+ minutes of pure bliss. Some serious five man jam going on. Then 4+ minutes into Rider, Jerry starts to lift things higher and higher and Keith is there with him, making it a sparkling duet. Your head will bop, your eyes will pop and your jaw will drop. There are not 14 better versions of this. Come on, folks - bump it up!
Mason's Children
Jan. 17, 1970
Oregon State University

Example - you think the Dead were making great music on a regular basis is 1970. That would make an average version of a song for them great. What we're trying to do is identify the best versions. Everything can't be the best. Some are just average, but by average, they're still great.
Mason's Children
Dec. 28, 1969
International Speedway

This one's a no-brainer. By far the best version they played. Focus, timing, intensity. This is it.
Mason's Children
Jan. 17, 1970
Oregon State University

Average version. Nothing here that's special or stands out.
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