headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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

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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