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.
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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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