headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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SlowlyTooFades

90s aficionado

+1430


Submissions

3
Truckin'
March 7, 1981
Cole Field House

From a kind of under the radar show: Truckin out of space winds down into a spacey jam, atypical of the period.
6
Cryptical Envelopment
Sept. 3, 1985
Starlight Theater

Really, none of these '85 versions are all that great (except as novelties), but this one is probably the strongest. JG gets all the words right!
5
Bertha
Oct. 19, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Okay, so maybe Garcia drops some words (& even verses) here and there...it gives him an opportunity for an extra long solo, which winds around nicely.
13
Ripple
Dec. 6, 1980
Mill Valley Recreation Center

With the small crowd you can actually hear the band sing!
6
Crazy Fingers
Sept. 7, 1985
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Classic version. Segues into Samson.
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Comments

Black Peter
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Great contrast between the soft and the loud: from very tender verses to the climax which is superb. For my money this version is to BP what Cornell is to Dew.
Dark Star
Oct. 18, 1972
Fox Theater

Yes, that Phil Jam which grows into a version of the theme they'd later use for China/Riders is excellent. And a very nonstandard setlist sequence for the year, Playin> DS> Dew> Playin.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
June 14, 1991
RFK Stadium

A version where all seven band members really contribute: there's a part in Franklin's where Jerry and Bruce lock into a pattern which is just blissful.
Dancin' in the Streets
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

The most intense version of the "tighten-up" breakdown they used to do in the middle. And Bobby's really on top of his game; his effortless return to the vocals after the jam give me chills each time I hear it.
Mason's Children
Feb. 14, 1970
Fillmore East

Not terribly exploratory (in fact quite short), but perfectly played, and an unthinkably good bridge between some of the best versions of NFA and Caution.
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