headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24533


Submissions

7
Estimated Prophet
Aug. 30, 1980
The Spectrum

Ultra hot mid jam (Bobby nearly plunges back too early but Jerry forges ahead) & Brent is all over the ivories. Hot stuff in Philly.
1
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 27, 1990
The Zenith

Can't fathom how this A+ 90s version, with a gorgeous, relaxed tempo & delicate Garcia touches throughout hadn't made the list Great show, great EYES
7
Althea
June 12, 1980
Memorial Coliseum

Just a great, grooving, bluesy Althea. Everyone right in the pocket. Find the exceptional Miller SBD & enjoy.
2
Bird Song
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series Vol. 10. This version is sparkling. Everything you expect out of a great '72 w/cool OR. vibe. Beautiful midsong drum break & much more
1
Aiko Aiko
Feb. 23, 1993
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Hey Now! Played on Mardi Gras day with 10 minute drum percussion lead-in to start the 2nd set! You'll like what the Big Chief say.

Comments

Eyes Of The World
March 30, 1973
Rochester Community War Memorial

Ranting & raving about this one, a hidden gem & then some. First, this might just be the most beautiful vocal they ever turned in on this tune, from Jerry’s sweet lead to the perfectly blended harmonies on the chorus sections. The playing is jazz heaven, no raging peaks a la late 70s but a flow & delicate picking clinic led by Garcia & punctuated by some of the loveliest fills I’ve ever heard Keith do on this song. The outro section features a mind-slide into the Stronger Than Dirt portion rather than the usual start on the hard beat yet they totally nail it, no clunkiness involved, it’s all meshed seamlessly. Snag the SBD 2d set on the archive & enjoy. This one’s hiding in plain sight waiting with so much to offer.
Dupree's Diamond Blues
Sept. 20, 1982
Madison Square Garden

^^^^strange indeed. Great recommendation still not getting the love it deserves.
Dupree's Diamond Blues
Sept. 20, 1982
Madison Square Garden

This is so much a better version than the single digits its mired in now. Brisk boppy bouncy groove and Jerry does a wah wah solo that's more fun than a barrel full of dancing bears not to mention him nailing down every dang lyric. What shame this is so low on the list. Maybe the box set'll help...meanwhile, get your ears on this gem.
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Seriously hopeful that the new box set with its excellent sound clean up will launch this version higher up the board. It's really better than a number of the ones above it now on the list & that includes the Augusta '84 that I submitted as well (listen to these 2 back to back and tell me objectively after that MSG really belongs below Augusta--ya can't), and whether it's #1 all time worthy is subjective of course but having loved this version forever and a day and now hearing it in its best sound reproduction i'm more convinced than ever that it's in a class of its own.
Truckin'
May 13, 1978
The Spectrum

This kind of interplay between Jer and Bob rarely happens on this tune esp. post 1974....great stuff here