headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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parrott56

millennial head

+5024


Submissions

15
Dark Star
April 17, 1969
Washington U.

Worthy, discursive version from an amazing month.
19
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
July 12, 1989
RFK Stadium

Jerry just attacks this one (vocally too) right from the outset. I love summer '89.
6
Pretty Peggy O
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Lively version, practically rollicking!
5
Row Jimmy
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

As focused and energetic as the rest of the show, Jerry plays with the phrasing of his solos without missing a beat.
1
Looks Like Rain
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Another noteworthy '77 version. Listen for Jerry's melodic lines over Bob and Donna's vocal coda.

Comments

Stella Blue
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Hate to be the contrary voice here, but I think most of this version is actually a mess. There a few nice moments in the outro, yes, but the whole thing nearly falls apart several times leading up to that. Too slow, too loose, and the band's just not on the same page.
Stella Blue
May 4, 1979
Hampton Coliseum

Sprinkled with magic, emphatic but not leaden. Jerry's guitar and voice are both very fine in this bright, powerful version.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

I'm the first to acknowledge others' contributions, but this one is all about Jerry, who gives a textbook demonstration of his nimblest and most soulful playing. Way underrated.
Row Jimmy
Dec. 2, 1973
Music Hall

Amazing dynamics on this version. Delicate without ever losing its pulse.
Beat it on Down The Line
April 24, 1972
Rheinhalle

It's not just you. This version was one of my early go-tos (you know, when I wanted to hear BIODTL).