headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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MrMystery

Dead on arrival

+2490


Submissions

4
Dear Mr. Fantasy
May 5, 1990
California State University Dominguez Hills

There are surprisingly few really great versions of this tune, and this is one of them. Jerry takes his time, layering burning, melodic phrases.
6
When I Paint My Masterpiece
April 3, 1990
The Omni

They found the right (slower) tempo for this in later years. Also Bobby learned not to oversing. The moments when his voice fills with rage now work.
3
Space
April 5, 1989
Crisler Arena

Jerry's playing simultaneously causes and scratches an itch inside your brain. Spooky comping by Bobby.
1
Feel Like A Stranger
Feb. 5, 1989
Henry J Kaiser Convention Center

Busting out of the gate in the first show of the year. Great interaction between Bobby and Phil, tasteful commentary by Jerry.
1
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Oct. 14, 1988
Miami Arena

Great version because Bobby is understated, even weary. This gives Jerry the space to jump into the choruses with emotion. Dodging lions.
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Comments

Estimated Prophet
Feb. 17, 1982
Warfield Theater

Jerry sounds great in the first solo but this is all about Bobby's playing in the outro jam. Fuckin sick.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Feb. 17, 1982
Warfield Theater

Surprised this isn't higher, blah blah blah. Incredible transition, with Bobby leading the way and Jerry listening closely, making little bursts of melody out of Bobby's jabbing chords.
He's Gone
Sept. 3, 1977
Raceway Park

Great show and great jam, but I can't upvote this because of the colossal train wreck Jerry causes by coming in two beats early on the second chorus of his solo. It'd be OK if he recovered but he didn't. (Nice that he decided to try the whole solo over again though.) His habit of dropping beats (never dropping the time - his time was always great) is a weird thing that popped up around this time and haunted him the rest of his playing days.
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
June 4, 1977
The Forum

Love Jerry's long, looping, elastic phrases in the end jam
Friend of the Devil
June 4, 1977
The Forum

Yes Jerry kills this solo. Listen to the Menke
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