headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

34
Dupree's Diamond Blues
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

Outstanding version with a nice Jerry-led jam early in the tune, after the first verse.
8
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 15, 1978
Sphinx Theatre

Almost criminal this isn't here yet. Grab the Egypt '78 CD & hear one of the loveliest "Eyes" ever. Jazzy, intricate, sweet, & inspired!
13
Loser
Oct. 14, 1977
Hofheinz Pavilion

Possibly the most underrated version of all time with an absolute MONSTER jam by Jerry. Must listen!
8
Looks Like Rain
March 24, 1988
Omni Coliseum

Listen closely: I HATE THIS SONG. Always have. So when I say this is killer it means a lot; & fans of this song tell me it's legendary.
18
Row Jimmy
May 3, 1977
The Palladium

After 3/20/77 and 4/12/78 this may be the best RJ ever. Check out the Miller version that fills in a tape-flip gap & revel in more Garcia magic.
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Comments

Dark Star
April 8, 1971
Boston Music Hall

I love Dark Stars like this. Straight shot jam with no deviation into "silly space" feedback noise and some fine ideas throughout. There are a couple of off notes but they're barely noticeable in the overall scheme, and thanks to Darkstar67 for providing link to the best course for sure of those offered,
When Push Comes to Shove
Dec. 31, 1986
Kaiser Convention Center

Did you know that this song could be good? Like, really, REALLY good? Neither did I until I checked out this version. Killer mid tune solo and Jerry nails the vox. Let these little baby tigers punch you in the ear if you don't believe!
Sugaree
Dec. 31, 1986
Kaiser Convention Center

Excellent recommendation. Surprised given the year how well put together this is. Jam into last verse as good as advertised and best of all...and REALLY surprising...is Jerry's excellent vox. Ups easy.
Shakedown Street
Sept. 16, 1978
Sphinx Theatre

Delicious disco Dead in the desert. This version is crazy groovy and disco-infused in a good way and while it's lacking the 3rd verse and the coda the jams in between are incredible. (In particular after the 2nd verse, what would be the "middle jam" had they sung the 3rd verse is incredibly funky and turn on a dime tight. These shows never got the respect they deserved.
Cosmic Charlie
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

The ones just above this one (6/19/76 and below ((7/16/76) are my two go-to's. I really think '76 was the best (Marybe only) year for this tune. The early versions feel too raw to me and the song isn't given a chance to really breathe. I like the quieter spacey stretch feel of the 76 versions and Donna actually sounds great.
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