headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24566


Submissions

4
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 21, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Keith's second show & he's all over this faster paced super fun honky tonk version!
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!
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Comments

Big River
Nov. 25, 1979
Pauly Pavillion

Have a theory that this song was played so often people forget how damn great its played virtually every time. But even with a great selection of eras to choose from this '79 (from a generally overlooked show) shines brightly. Check out the nice, relaxed, lower register intro, followed by top notch individual jam sections (half a point off for Brent's tinkly Fisher Price keys, but he plays his section beautifully) & Garcia just does his thing in the final jam slot, taking no prisoners. Easy +1
Uncle John's Band
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

outstanding in every conceivable way, from the "start at the end" intro to the meat of the jam and an outro that melts flawlessly into a lovely China Doll, this is a version that can get overlooked for almost being hidden amid this exquisite second set, but deserves to be in the top 5 if not top 3 all time.
When I Paint My Masterpiece
April 3, 1990
The Omni

Agreed! This is a more mature and better rendition than most. Whole show is a nice find.
Bird Song
Nov. 22, 1972
Austin Municipal Auditorium

^^^^So true about this year/month. I think November '72 is like May '77. Blind-throw a dart, you'll hit a great show. But yeah, I'd like there to be more ears on this version.
Bird Song
Nov. 22, 1972
Austin Municipal Auditorium

I'd vote for this a thousand more times if I could. Just listened again today more convinced than ever that even for 1972 this is one of the pure true best they ever performed. Every section has a jam with sense, color, purpose, power and nuance and the vocals are ultra silky and sweet. I realize there's a gaggle of great Birdsongs from this year--even this very month--but having this pearl at 3 measly votes is a travesty.
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