headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

43
Estimated Prophet
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

From the famous "ravenspace" show; the only version in which the main theme is reprised+lots of Bob yelling
64
Ship of Fools
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

Perfection. The "comes a time" for this show gets all the attention but this SOF is just as grand
64
Uncle John's Band
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Part of a 2nd set for the ages; flows in & out of PITB teases & then reprises into killer Dew
20
Terrapin Station
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

Hold on tight!
51
Bertha
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Sweet bass drop-ins by Phil on intro; extended Garcia solos in bridge jam; very intense and fun
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Comments

Samson and Delilah
June 24, 1985
River Bend Music Center

Best Jerry background vocals ever for this song. Hecka jammed out too.
They Love Each Other
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Maybe the best ever of Jerry's "fast version" solos...jazz gem. 1/4 point off for a typical Garcia lyrical flub but that's the only thing keeping this one from perfection. Call it a one-hitter instead of a perfect game, but it deserves to rise in the standings
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
Nov. 1, 1977
Cobo Arena

As raucous as many listed higher and far far greater than many if them, too. Five votes is way to few for this gem.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 19, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

Just lightning quick mesmerizing finger picking from Jerry on the transition into Rider, one of the best I've heard in any era. Jerome's vocals are, well, it''s '84 so temper your expectations, but he does nail the lyrics and the whole combo is an underrated gem likely to get more deserved accolades being on the new DaP.
Ramble On Rose
Sept. 20, 1990
Madison Square Garden

As a confirmed MIDI hater I have to admit the best part of this excellent version is Jerry's mid-"trumpet" solo courtesy of the gizmo thingy. 9 times out of 10 that gadget is a poor substitute for a real Garcia guitar solo but here it's simply triumphant. Jer also gets points for trying his best (& succeeding) in nailing down all the lyrics in the venue where he most needs to get tt right, & while the 1990 croaky strain in his vox is evident, it doesn't stop him or the band from pulling off a good-'un.
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