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

Supplication
June 27, 1985
SPAC

Very interesting Supplication jam. Jerry wants to play Lazy Lightning and repeatedly goes into the opening riff. Bob clearly does not. The friction is fascinating. Phil bridges the gap.
Sugaree
Oct. 15, 1984
Civic Center

This is one of those angry Jerry performances that occurred so often in the '80s. He really burns it up.
When I Paint My Masterpiece
June 17, 1991
Giants Stadium

Bobby's vox are particularly good
The Other One
April 24, 1984
Veterans' Memorial Coliseum

1984 is an underappreciated year. This Other One is awesome. Phil is all over the place. Builds up to a dark, powerful peak
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

There is no perfect Scarlet-Fire and that's why the Dead are the Dead. However, this one is the best. For me there are three reasons: Mickey's three-beat drum roll signaling the beginning of the tune in dramatic, emphatic fashion; Phil's slides in the intro and playing throughout; and Jerry's first solo in Fire. In particular, everything from 15:41 to the end of the solo, 17:02. I've listened to many, many, many hours of Grateful Dead music and the epitome of Jerry as a player are in that not-quite minute and a half. In my opinion.
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