headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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parrott56

millennial head

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Submissions

10
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Subtly experimental transition jam seems to hint at “Feelin’ Groovy” without stating the theme outright.
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Just two days before one of the consensus favorites, this version is BLAZING.
7
Mama Tried
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

Deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the other punchy, galloping ’77s.
1
Jack Straw
Sept. 9, 1974
Alexandra Palace

If you’re like me, you love the intensity of these ’74 Jack Straws. This one is not to be missed.
1
Bertha
Sept. 9, 1974
Alexandra Palace

Swinging funk akin to a ’73 TLEO. Different and sharply played.
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Comments

Me and Bobby McGee
July 27, 1974
Civic Center

So many of the “short” songs seemingly reached their apotheosis in 1974, and this is a great example of that.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 3, 1981
Dane County Coliseum

Holy shit. What a transition jam. Brent is eliciting deep, guttural sustained tones from the B3. Jerry is attacking, darting at Scarlet’s melodic material in a way that’s reminiscent of the earliest versions from ’74.
Stella Blue
April 3, 1989
Civic Arena

This is one of the best Stellas of the era! Jerry’s midsong solo is profound and dramatic, with big interval leaps, while the outro is hushed and contemplative. Do not miss this song, this show, or this tour generally!
Estimated Prophet
April 3, 1989
Civic Arena

Cool and unusual. In the outro, Brent piles on interesting chord voicings as well as woolly MIDI textures. More people should listen to spring ’89, which has a fair bit in common with the megapopular tours that follow.
Row Jimmy
July 27, 1974
Civic Center

Well, I disagree about the “slow” part. This is as fast a Jimmy as you’ve heard this band play. But it’s got some nice intensity that’s not just a byproduct of the speedy tempo. Unusual and worth hearing.
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