headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24591


Submissions

2
Drums
March 2, 1992
The Omni

Heavy calypso rhythms & monstrous punctuation via The Beast make for an epic Drums out of Terrapin. 5 star stuff.
1
Estimated Prophet
Aug. 30, 1978
Red Rocks Ampitheatre

In combo with the equally stunning "Eyes" to follow this is an unheralded, wah-wah Jerry-heavy, Bobby/Donna vocal gem.
4
Beat it on Down The Line
July 3, 1966
Fillmore Auditorium

Flying Pig.
8
Althea
Nov. 4, 1979
Civic Center

Sily smooth Althea from Providence. Rich Jerry vocals & of course, chunks o'Phil. This deserves a listen & some votes!
1
Space
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Short but oh so sweet fuzzfest of Brent-centric gooyness seamlessly into a typically funkified 1980 NFA

Comments

Bird Song
Dec. 12, 1972
Winterland Arena

^^^^ Love that "mini Dark Star" description. Totally agree, especially when it comes to the '72-'73 versions. This is worthy of upvote with so many others. For the most Dark-Star-ish version ever check out 6/22/73.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 2, 1972
Springfield Civic Center

This is winner on every level and the Miller source as noted is just killer, with lots of clarity and punch. You can almost sense an approach to the MLB jam, as it's late '72 and they'd start incorporating that bridge in '73. But even with its absence there's a good bit of Garcia exploring different peaks and valleys before transitioning into Rider. Very nice indeed.
Uncle John's Band
Sept. 27, 1972
Stanley Theatre

jbrucer is right, This sounds so much better via archive sources. Jerry's guitar really comes alive and the jamming here is surprisingly raucous for a '72 version. Just amazing. Hot middle jam & outro as well. Great rendition
Let It Grow
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

Must agree, especially that this show is seriously under-appreciated. This LIG has that '81-'82 magic to it. Check it and then go right to the Scarlet>Fire. You won't be disappointed.
Deal
July 19, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Deserthead is spot on. We don't need to be lectured on the qualities of JGB. And yes, those bands played fine Deals. Some may be "better" than some Dead versions, others are not. And I'll put up the Deal from 5/1/81 against any JGB version ever with no doubts of its superiority. I'm sure there are many others here who have their own favorites for which they'd do the same. This Alpine version is indisputably Heady, regardless of whether there may be a JGB version that can top it. You want to tout the qualities of JGB Deals, Donnie, go right ahead. But the declaration that these top Dead versions on the board here are somehow lacking, even in comparison, is just plain ignorant .