headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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1
Mexicali Blues
June 16, 1974
Iowa State Fairgrounds

Often a throwaway, this super bouncy version from a top 10 show sparkles.

Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
July 17, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Like a lot of 80s versions, the singing/playing Jerry sections are pretty rough -- lots of bum notes. But the soloing is pretty sweet, and Jerry's energy on "Rider" is pretty justly famous.
Bertha
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

The "vocal jam" of sorts at the end is a nice touch.
Row Jimmy
June 16, 1974
Iowa State Fairgrounds

The way that this one comes to a complete halt is special -- a truly beautiful song about perseverance. Very skillfully handled by Billy, and Donna's really in tune on this one.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
June 16, 1974
Iowa State Fairgrounds

This is "weird enough" that it maybe shouldn't have the top slot--if you played this for a new head, they might wonder why the others aren't quite this intense and jammy--but I would say that it is probably the best overall version. For a "standard" version, Veneta is as good as any to my ears.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Sept. 6, 1983
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

That "Help" is not winning any awards for precision of playing, although that's part of the appeal of the 80s I guess, but this is a pretty tasty "Slip".
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