headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24566


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
show more submissions

Comments

Stella Blue
March 24, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena

Thanks to Darkstar67 for recommending the Dusborne Matrix. Haven’t listened to Dozin in a while and should have upped this previously. Just took it for granted I guess but the matrix brings it alive in a new way...coolest thing is you can hear how quiet the crowd goes, totally absorbed in Jerry’s beautiful reading. You miss that crowd feel on the official release. Top 3 all time version.
Last Time
June 8, 1992
Richfield Coliseum

This one's got some serious pep and dang if Bob & Jerry don't sound all out & in sync belting out the vocals, which is really the key to them pulling off this tune. Jerry does take a nice little run after the initial vocal section--nothing too spectacular but sweet and bouncy before Vince gets in a tasty look, then it's back to the sing-out. Really impressed with this one and this show in general--chiefly the great second set--and it's not often you'll hear me say that about '92 shows.
Viola Lee Blues
July 3, 1966
Fillmore Auditorium

I know everyone loves the big insane monster 20+ minute versions & they're great, but this early gem has great (if shorter) jams that are really tight and actually feature some nice Pig organ playing and spectacular ensemble vocals. The end jam gets all speeded out and for a classic acid drenched 60s sound it's tough to beat. I love this "mini" version!
Comes A Time
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

Never get tired of hearing that gorgeous outro jam.
Franklin's Tower
Nov. 29, 1980
Alligator Alley Gym, University of Florida

I wish they'd made more attempts at Shakedown>Franklin's. While the transition here isn't in their seamless transition hall of fame, it's not awful, and it is fun and adventurous if nothing else, but lost in discussion of the hand off is how good this standalone Franklin's really is. What I love most about it is how direct it is. No meandering here like many longer (and higher ranked) versions are. Jerry just attacks every lead and the band is fully cranked up behind. There's nary a note wasted here and there's a lot to get excited about, plus the novelty of emerging from the shake. Easy ups for me on this one.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)