headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

10
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
Oct. 30, 1977
Assembly Hall - Indiana University

Can't believe what short shrift this show gets. They pull off the combo like gangbusters here.
5
Loser
Dec. 6, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Glorious Jerry vocals, not one, but TWO "sweet Susie's", excellent gritty solo. Best early version ever!
4
Aiko Aiko
March 30, 1987
The Spectrum

Submitting this on Fat Tuesday 2017. Great Mardi Gras version with really nice piano (!) fills by Brent that oughta be heard!
5
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
May 12, 1980
Boston Garden

Get on this one, folks. It's a ripper.
13
Let It Grow
July 29, 1974
Capitol Center

Absolute best of 1974. Not kidding. Jerry's leads are ripping & confident. The band plays flawlessly.Can stand w/some of the best of '77. Must hear.
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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.
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