headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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SlowlyTooFades

90s aficionado

+1410


Submissions

3
Truckin'
March 7, 1981
Cole Field House

From a kind of under the radar show: Truckin out of space winds down into a spacey jam, atypical of the period.
5
Cryptical Envelopment
Sept. 3, 1985
Starlight Theater

Really, none of these '85 versions are all that great (except as novelties), but this one is probably the strongest. JG gets all the words right!
5
Bertha
Oct. 19, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Okay, so maybe Garcia drops some words (& even verses) here and there...it gives him an opportunity for an extra long solo, which winds around nicely.
13
Ripple
Dec. 6, 1980
Mill Valley Recreation Center

With the small crowd you can actually hear the band sing!
5
Crazy Fingers
Sept. 7, 1985
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Classic version. Segues into Samson.

Comments

He's Gone
March 26, 1973
Baltimore Civic Center

Without a doubt my favorite. Vocals are good, and don't go on too long (personal preference here), but the highlight is JG's solo at the end, which absolutely explodes with joyful energy. The rest of the band backs him up perfectly, especially Lesh's bombs and Keith's keys.
Standing On The Moon
Oct. 5, 1994
The Spectrum

Yes, a strong version where the power comes from the great solo at the end, rather than just a lot of yelling.
Uncle John's Band
Oct. 5, 1994
The Spectrum

After the song itself is over they go into a great "freak-out" jam which reminds me of a cross between the Space during Dark Star on 10/26/89 and the "Tiger" jams of 72-4.
Deal
Oct. 5, 1994
The Spectrum

Long version (12+ mins). There are several parts to the jam, including one where they work it down very low (like the Giants version from the Summer). Also, very good key work from VW
Deal
Oct. 15, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Solid version..