headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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jonmurphy987

sense & color

+554


Submissions

5
Black Peter
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Still an infant, only two months old, this is a delicately sublime version. Available on the (un-numbered) Download Series from the Family Dog.
5
Sugaree
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

Mr. Lemieux, if you're listening, this show deserves a look! Brent's debut and nice energy throughout, as evidenced by this Sugaree!
4
I Need A Miracle
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

Lively version with plenty of Phil bombs from a seriously underrated show. Almost makes you forget how rote this song got a few years later.
4
Looks Like Rain
July 20, 1994
Deer Creek Music Center

Strong version from a very good '94 show. We all know Jerry's playing was in decline at this point but the magic could still be mustered at times
6
The Music Never Stopped
April 2, 1989
Civic Arena

Tight and energetic version from an oddly underrated show -- The whole show and the following night is available as Dowload Series Vol. 9.
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Comments

Here Comes Sunshine
March 30, 1994
The Omni

Clearly the revival versions can't compare to the classic 70's versions but this is a really great 90's performance, perhaps the best you'll find. Brisk tempo, solid vocals, punchy delivery. It's a banger!
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 20, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

This features a nice Scarlet jam and transition into Fire. And I guess it’s nice and long. But otherwise I really don’t quite get why this version is rated so high. The vocals are truly atrocious, Jerry’s guitar frequently sounds out of tune during Fire, and the overall vibe is pretty ramshackle. Not to mention the cheesy vocal effect layered on top of the final chorus. What’s up with that? Is this a top fifteen version (which is where it stands as I write this)? No way.
Turn On Your Love Light
April 26, 1972
Jahrhunderthalle

This has got to be the one. Just relentless. There is not a wasted moment, which cannot be said for all the classic 69/70 versions. The group interplay and improvisation is just phenomenal, some of the best of the tour, which for Europe '72 means quite a lot. I'll take this insane, hard-charging, 17-minute version with a nutso-crazy-great transition into an all-time GDTRFB over any cheesy bloated Pigpen rap version every single time. (I agree with Grendel above. I honestly don't care if I never hear a "hands in yo' pockets" rap ever again). There is just no comparison. This has got to be the headiest version.
Corrina
March 23, 1995
Charlotte Coliseum

Yeah, I wish I could upvote Matilda separately, because this is a very fun version with Hornsby adding a ton of energy.
Truckin'
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Great Truckin’ > The Other One, seamless transition and both versions are rock solid. Fantastic show all around.
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