headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

1
Row Jimmy
March 16, 1993
Capital Centre

Outstanding late-late-era Dead.
2
Not Fade Away
May 6, 1989
Frost Amphitheatre

NFA as a Jerry tune? Yup, here it is! "But you drive me back -- huh!" Hell yes!
6
Wharf Rat
May 6, 1989
Frost Amphitheatre

Overlooked GEM! Swift yet deeply felt. Jerry CRUSHES it.

Comments

Morning Dew
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

We love what we love and that's great. But sometimes opinions do baffle me. On the Fool's strong recommendation, I checked out the 11/2/85 Dew. Though I usually collect complete shows, I do have a folder I call "Stand-Out Tracks" for individual tunes I was to keep. The 11/2/85 Dew didn't even make it into that folder. One listen, then straight to the Recycle Bin. Enjoyable? Sure. Interesting? Sure. But to my ears, it's not even a keeper, let alone the best one.
Pretty Peggy O
March 27, 1993
Knickerbocker Arena

This Peggy-O is just about perfect.
Wharf Rat
June 20, 1983
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Not to wax eloquent or anything, but THIS IS THE SHIT RIGHT HERE. My god! Incredible energy!
Foolish Heart
July 2, 1988
Oxford Plains Speedway

For a long time, this version was my go-to for Foolish Heart. Later, when I had access to every version they ever played, doubt began to creep into my heart. I've stumped for 12/28/90. I've found much to enjoy 07/19/89 and 07/12/90 and 09/18/90. But now that I come back, like the prodigal son, to this version, I think once again that it's the best -- or at least, it's better than the ones I've mentioned. This version wins for rhythmic feel and, most of all, for Jerry's vocals. It seems to me that this is a song that falls apart if the vocals are flubbed, and Jerry is stronger here than anywhere else I've heard. Even when he forgets the words, he just makes some shit up, a bit of word-salad to fill the space. It's better than nothing! Check this shit out!
Dupree's Diamond Blues
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

Amazing version! Distinctive as hell. Like sylvan said, Jerome's fucking GOING for it here. I love that shit, especially when the rest of the boys keep up with him (even when he starts falling behind himself!).