headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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SlowlyTooFades

90s aficionado

+1430


Submissions

1
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
March 25, 1994
Nassau Coliseum

Not one of the "big boys" in terms of versions, but features nice Hornsby on accordian.
6
So Many Roads
Oct. 19, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Strong version with great Jerry vocals. The whole show is underrated.
8
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 19, 1989
Greek Theatre, U. Of California

China starts out rough, with some missed lyrics, but the transition is amazing, and JG's vocals are tops: he even sings along with BW on his line!
7
Turn On Your Love Light
Oct. 14, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Late period: why like it? Because BW & JG imbue it with an energy befitting the rest of this great show. Not the greatest version, but loads of fun.
21
Samba In The Rain
Oct. 14, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Hated it when I heard it (multiple times): but on tape this (terrible) song is pretty strong in this version. JG's solo is solid enough.

Comments

Truckin'
Dec. 31, 1972
Winterland Arena

Probably my favorite version: Bobby is right on top of the vocals, the band drives it to the climax, then proceed into some very tight improvisation. What follows (O1> Dew) is excellent as well, matching this nicely.
Estimated Prophet
Oct. 26, 1989
Miami Arena

These Miami shows are great, almost (but not quite) up to Hampton. And this is a titanic version of Estimated, powerful where it needs to be, tight where it should be (and often isn't), and just about as exploratory as they come.
Dark Star
Oct. 26, 1989
Miami Arena

Everything you've heard about how weird the second half of this version is is true. Hear it, it you haven't yet. (And the rest of the show is excellent, as is the night before).
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Oct. 14, 1994
Madison Square Garden

The middle part, where JG sounds almost like he wants to go into Rider, is superb; but it's got nothing on the crescendo at the end. Audience gives a minute-long ovation at the end, which you can even hear (clearly & loudly) on the Sbd.
Greatest Story Ever Told
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

I've often said that if I could have only 5 minutes of GD, it would be these.