headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

1
Johnny B. Goode
Aug. 14, 1979
McNichols Arena

Jerry and Brent go nuts. Excellent vocals from Bob.
1
Throwing Stones
Aug. 18, 1991
Shoreline Amphitheatre

High energy version. Bob's vocals soar. Bruce and Jerry kick sone serious butt.
1
Not Fade Away
Aug. 18, 1991
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Some serious fanning and pickin' from Jerry. Intense, high energy version.
3
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Aug. 18, 1991
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Bob nails it. I dig that Hornsby accordian.
5
West L.A. Fadeaway
Aug. 18, 1991
Shoreline Amphitheatre

How is it that everybody else has overlooked such a hot version?

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.