headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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

Playin' In The Band
Dec. 3, 1979
Uptown Theatre

+: Whatever dime the band turns on at just around 6 minutes in is absolutely astonishing. It's a subtle turn, but you can't miss it either, & it just takes the whole jam off into a new direction in tone, space, and scope. There really should be a lot more ears on this version, esp. now with the great sound from the official release. But even if you don't have it, check out one of the archive versions & hear this one again.
Brown Eyed Women
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

Great solo indeed but they're keeping--or not keeping--a super weird beat here....like, it's way way way way off...takes some getting used to that's fer sure. Upvoting due to that hot solo & the overall uniqueness of this oddball beat. Nice read by jer on "Daddy made whiskey " line too. This whole show is the dark horse of April 78 which gets most of the attention for 4/8, 4/12/, 4/16, and 4/24.
Casey Jones
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

Jaunty, kickin' straight ahead 70s rock version. Jerry vox is phenomenal here. & Donna sounds great too. I think this one is ranked relatively low on the chart only b/c so many other songs from this A+ show garner all the attention (& deservedly so), but don't overlook this sweet CJ nugget from the last ever Winterland performance.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 8, 1983
Red Rocks

^^^^ Yep, suffers from lack of a decent SBD. Many '83 versions do (UVM for example) but it's too bad b/c that was a good year for the combo.
Playin' In The Band
April 22, 1977
The Spectrum

Spectacular self contained trip back to ‘72 style with a precision ‘77 sensibility.
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