headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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MuffinMan49

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Submissions

16
Desolation Row
May 10, 1987
Laguna Seca Raceway

The most impassioned Bobby vocal performance I know

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Feb. 5, 1978
Uni Dome, U of Northern Iowa

Sorry, I don't see this as a top 10 Scarlet - The general pace of playing picked up from '76 thru '78. I find many '76 shows to be too slow and deliberate. 1977 is just right, but 1978 Scarlet (and Eyes for that matter) got too fast and rushed for my taste - seems like the neighbors dog humping my leg sometimes - back off guys. Listen to the 5/8/77 and 5/25/77 and other choice versions, and by contrast there is a patient, hypnotic groove. Having said that, 2/5/78 has some great jamming in the transition and then in FOTM - I just wish they'd chill a little.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Aug. 13, 1975
Great American Music Hall

Fresh out of the studio with all the hooks still fresh in their mind, this is just a stunning performance. One of the few times that a song exploded out of the gate, fully formed in it's first live performance (similar to Eyes 2/9/73 and Terrapin 2/26/77). You'd think they had been playing this for years, but no. Many other versions are good, but this is the one they will always be compared to. One of my top 10 shows, ever along with 10/29/77, 2/13/70, 10/19/73, 5/11/72, 2/28/69, 8/6/74, etc.
Not Fade Away
Sept. 3, 1977
Raceway Park

Amazing - This NFA is like listening to a locomotive gradually accelerate up to speed. They slowly and methodically build the energy, then JUST as you think they're going to finally come in with the vocals, Jerry slips in an incredibly emotive, gnarly jam with a guitar tone that I wish we heard more. Totally different from other versions, this one is absolutely the cream of the NFA's.
Not Fade Away
Feb. 14, 1970
Fillmore East

This is Primal 1970 Dead. Incredible energy, band is locked in tight, Jerry spinning webs like crazy - just an amazing version. For years I focused on the DS/OO from this show, but NFA is right up there with them - brimming with energy and ideas.
Eyes Of The World
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

5/22/77 Eyes is surprisingly low on this poll - it's a great, great version. I agree it's similar to Englishtown, but Englishtown DOES get the nod here. The band's groove and Jerry's soloing in Englishtown - especially when he starts playing more rhythm chops, then fluidly slips back into a stunningly slinky melody line - is just perfect. The definitive version.
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