headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

5
The Weight
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

This is really the best one I've heard--everyobody nails their parts/lyrics...great piano fills on the side (yay, Bruce!). Just exactly, etc.
20
Althea
Sept. 9, 1982
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Incredible. Check out Brent's fills during the epic post-lyrics outro. A must-listen top tier Althea w/bounce, power, & panache!
17
Deal
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

Apparently no one is aware that a fellow named Keith played in this band or this version would have 50 votes already. Needs to be heard!
1
Pretty Peggy O
Sept. 4, 1980
Providence Civic Center

Outside of 1977 this may be the best version I've heard. A+ vocals from Jerry, killer mid-solo; slightly faster tempo. Must hear. Gr8 Matrix!
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Bob's lyric phrasing on this version is unique. He sings it in a way so different than any I've heard before & it's inventive & super-fun. Must hear!
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Comments

Pretty Peggy O
April 7, 1978
The Sportatorium

Adding my sincere upvote on this total sleeper pick-lost amid a sea of great versions from this month/year but honestly you gotta give a listen---Jerry's solo starts out quiet and builds not to a raucous jam like Englishtown or some other '77 monsters but flows gorgeously and delivers wave after wave of beauty until washing up on shore as satisfyingly as any rendition you've heard. The realness right here.
Brown Eyed Women
June 26, 1974
Providence Civic Center

Only reason this has just a handful of votes must be due to the spotlight being focused on all the "big" songs and jams from this amazing show but this might be a candidate for "best of" early BEW's. Jerry's vocals are so syrupy good here and the relaxed cadence allows the song to breathe in ways it doesn't in later versions--good as those are for the extended bridge jams in between verses. You also get outstanding foundation from Phil in this one--it deserves to be higher for sure.
Brown Eyed Women
June 26, 1974
Providence Civic Center

Only reason this has just a handful of votes must be due to the spotlight being focused on all the "big" songs and jams from this amazing show but this might be a candidate for "best of" early BEW's. Jerry's vocals are so syrupy good here and the relaxed cadence allows the song to breathe in ways it doesn't in later versions--good as those are for the extended bridge jams in between verses. You also get outstanding foundation from Phil in this one--it deserves to be higher for sure.
Let It Grow
Jan. 31, 1978
Uptown Theater

Best version you've (probably) never heard. Absolute scorching jam sections and just when you think it can't get turned up to 11 Garcia goes full Spinal Tap after the final "I am" chorus--just all-out synapse-snapping lightning fingers...this is one of those buried treasure shows - maybe it's the date, who knows ?-but man, this version of LIG at the very least should tearing up the board
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 20, 1973
U.C.

Garcia throws some extra wood on the fire in the jam leading into the 3rd verse...as others have said this one flows with such ease you feel like you're floating down a river until it starts to pick up speed in the rapids heading into Rider. Should have voted this up a while ago.
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