headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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WilliamTell

I am what I am.

+219


Submissions

1
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 9, 1987
Civic Center

Great high energy version that leads into a spontaneous, first-ever "Devil With the Blue Dress > Good Golly Miss Molly"
10
Truckin'
March 28, 1972
Academy of Music

A more uptempo version where the band really gels nicely. You can hear Pigpen's organ shining on it, which is often lost in the mix.
25
Dark Star
Aug. 16, 1969
Yasgur's Farm

Jerry said it was the worst show they ever did. It's sloppy, but the Dark Star is trippy as hell. Mellow, groovy and Tom's organ really shines.

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

I too haven't also been so fond of this one. I like the 77 versions (and all of the 70s versions) for Jerry's voice, which is beautiful here, but I prefer the funky beat of the studio version which they sort of mellowed out in this period but brought back later. Also, as beautiful as Keith's piano is here, I can't help but miss Brent's organ double stops in the chorus. I still think Copps 90' is my favourite version regardless of Jerry's lesser voice or the MIDI stuff.
Doin' That Rag
June 14, 1969
Monterey Performing Arts Center

Gotta be my favourite Dead show ever. Every second of it is just killer.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
March 22, 1990
Copps Coliseum

Gives me pride in being Canadian. I don't love Jerry's MIDI tones, but his playing is too wicked to ignore. The whole thing just has a crazy energetic vibe to it that I prefer to the very mellow 70s versions. I dig Brent's organ more on this than Keith's piano any day too.
St. Stephen
June 14, 1969
Monterey Performing Arts Center

In my opinion, nothing tops a 69' "St. Stephen", and I think this is the best. I can't believe it's not more well known. The whole thing just sounds so groovily lumbering and HEAVY. Mickey & Bill are on fire and Jerry's just a roaring. Bonus that it goes into probably the best "The Eleven" ever!
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