headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24523


Submissions

6
They Love Each Other
Nov. 4, 1979
Civic Center

Early in Brent's tenure he's locked in for the 1st part of a long, flowing instrumental mid-section. Jer doesn't disappoint either. Underrated version
11
Crazy Fingers
April 3, 1990
The Omni

Very strong entry w/no lyrical mistakes & Jerry in fine voice, esp. for the year. Crystal clean sound from '90 spring box set shows how good this is!
14
Brokedown Palace
Sept. 16, 1972
Boston Music Hall

This melts like a dream from a weirdly underrated Dark Star & is sung beautifully by Jerry & played sweetly by all. Give a listen!
7
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Sept. 20, 1991
Boston Garden

Ok technically it's Help>Slipknot>Fire but c'mon that's pretty cool & even w/out the novelty of the change-up it's a sweet version
11
Take A Step Back
Oct. 31, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Phil: "Remember, if you step up too close We'll HAVE TO STOP PLAYING. Weir: I would remind you all that Halloween is not a legal holiday"

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
March 20, 1981
Rainbow Theater

Total winner right here--thick, jammy Scarlet with a fantastic transition into a rippin' Fire. Sounds amazing on the new release. Rhythm Devils especially come out slugging in the end coda jam to fire - sick slick version right here that deserves to shoot way up the ladder
They Love Each Other
Dec. 8, 1973
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke U

Bump needed here. It's understandable how this could get lost in a sea of great versions from this year but this one's worthy of seeking out. Perfect funky pacing and a great jam in the middle. Jer plays w/the bridge lyric a bit: "every song I'm singing I heard it first from you" instead of the usual line. Should at least be dub-digits here.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Aug. 5, 1979
Oakland Auditorium Arena

weaknesses in the Scarlet yes, but upping this because I can't recall another version in which the transition into Fire recalls the main Scarlet theme so prominently and once they get into Fire Jerry gets down to it with some great fuzzy gritty notes on the intro and everyone else kinda falls into that sweet Fire pocket--unique for sure as NFA sez and worth a boost on the board
Row Jimmy
Sept. 9, 1974
Alexandra Palace

^^^^Not necessarily "more" relaxing but for being definitely in that sweet/mellow wheelhouse I'd recommend 9/18/74 and the lesser known but equally as beautiful 7/25/74
Ramble On Rose
Feb. 1, 1978
Uptown Theatre

More proof this board works. Never knew of this version (much less what looks like a pretty cool show--i'll have to dive in) until i saw the recent recs--much thanks--and yeah this is a grand ol' Jerry having a blast belting it out barn burner with the hard edged rock em sock em rhythm devils backing you got in '78. 2 pretty nice board sources available too--worth checking out