headyversion

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

23
Jack Straw
May 10, 1978
Veterans' Memorial Coliseum

From DP 25, Opens show at New Haven. Takes no prisoners. Extra shot of Jerry heading in bridge jam. Kinda surprised it's not on a list of 90+ Straws
7
Samson and Delilah
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Shame on me for not submitting this earlier. Insane ripper to open 2nd set; Phil OWNS this version. Pause for nothing-- Listen NOW. Thank me l8r ;-)
30
Not Fade Away
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

Latvala from "Grate" Beyond reminds of his Winterland pick: The Best. Jer rips holes in Universe; Drummers pummel; Listen to "drive me BACK" line!
7
Samson and Delilah
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

Possibly best-ever of the Brent era. Bob preaches fire & brimstone and Jerry shreds the living daylights out of every jam. Serious MUST listen version
20
Shakedown Street
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

A funk-laden but more laid-back, groovier vibe marks this excellent entry from Chicago. Notable for A+ vocals & harmonies and Bobby shines in end jam!
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Comments

Estimated Prophet
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

Having been at this bust out show--yes. this is an (almost) understandably overlooked Estimated, but it really should be heard if you haven't had the pleasure--the place was swaying and twirling like mad to this one--it's a byoot.
Estimated Prophet
Aug. 12, 1979
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

No question this is one of the best Brent-era versions--early in his tenure he adds some amazing piano-like jazz fills (mercifully free of the tinkly Fischer-Price toy sounds he would adopt later) in the post lyrics jam outro and the main jam sections have Garcia and Weir both at the top of their games....outstanding version that should be a lot higher on the list.
Brother Esau
Aug. 20, 1983
Frost Amphitheatre

funk fest-- punchy Brent fuzz fills--& tighter than expected early version--slightly different lyrics --could use some extra ears on it
Uncle John's Band
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

No way this shouldn't be in double digits--the vocal harmonies on this A+ version are reason enough for an upvote but you also get the precision and focused jamming that mark all the best versions--rhythm devils are also beastly in the outro jam--overlooked probably b/c of length and the show itself which is one of the most underrated of '77. Do yourself a favor and listen to this byoot and upvote if you agree it's deserving of a much higher ranking
Big River
April 11, 1978
Fox Theatre

Exactly! So many Rivers some of the best can get lost & you've identified one that shouldn't. Flowing, confident, brilliant Jerry picking, and such beautiful work by Keith along the way--great boards available too to bring out all the richness of sound--don't let this Big River pass you by!
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