headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic
12
Brown Eyed Women
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Gotta check out the "small" songs in legendary shows like this as well as the usual suspects! Check out Jerry's utterly perfect bridge jam & be in awe
22
Bird Song
Sept. 22, 1993
Madison Square Garden

If you don't know Saxophonist David Murray, here's a good way to find out how great he is. This is one stellar Birdsong that flew under the radar here
19
They Love Each Other
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Is there anything prettier, sweeter or more sublimely lovely than Keith's piano in this version? You decide. This TLEO is incredible.
56
Sugaree
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

New #1 favorite. Slightly more compact than other amazing '77 versions & so a bit more focused. 2d Garcia solo has no equal.
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Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 16, 1989
The Mecca

Such a groovy '89 rendition-not sure why it isn't much higher on the board. Brent shines especially in Fire with some great creative fills & Garcia doesn't miss a lyric. Sleeper pick here.
West L.A. Fadeaway
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Best early incarnation version I've ever heard--hands down. Would rank it overall only behind Alpine '89 and maybe Copps '90--maybe.
Althea
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Realizing "this is too low" comments are ubiquitous up and down the board but some of them are actually understatements--hoping you'll take the time to listen to this version & rank this among them. Garcia's in full control on this one--every lyric nailed, the solos are spellbinding and it's played at perfect tempo--a bit faster than the early 80s versions but not too fast--allowing plenty of funky accents in the bridge jamming--and Bobby's rhythm is sublime. Such a great great underrated version right here at less than 10 votes when I decided to pipe up about it.
Candyman
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Why are we not talking about and up-voting this spectacular version? Just listen to Jerry's vocal commitment in the opening verse -- "Come all you pretty womenzzzz..." & later when the whiskey gets passed around he's all over it with a beaut of a guitar solo as well. Oughta be much higher
Ship of Fools
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Ridiculously ignored version with a fully engaged Garcia vocal, great Donna harmonies, and beautiful playing throughout. Crazy this doesn't have more votes.
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