headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24544


Submissions

56
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

The very definition of "underrated." Almost lost to time& yet it kills. No flubbed verses, great steady reggae jams;perfect transition. Please try it.
46
Ramble On Rose
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

Jerry sounds "just like Wolfman Jack" when he growwwlllzzz out the final chorus on "Goodbye Mama & Papa...!" Whole version is aces back to back!
45
It's All Over Now Baby Blue
Oct. 10, 1982
Frost Amphitheatre

Jerry in especially soulful voice on this completely perfecto version from one of the best shows of '82. If you like 4-6 Spectrum, you'll love this.
18
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

My favorite "sandwich" version, this PITB actually begins in the 2nd set as reprise from the previous night! Insane weaving thru UJB/Space/Dew
22
Samson and Delilah
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Goofy stage banter by Bob, then the rippingest, roaringest, best-drummed version I know.

Comments

Bertha
Feb. 24, 1974
Winterland Arena

Great uptempo version with a little extra "till it go down" Jerry vocal and a sweet bridge jam. No hesitation calling this the best of '74.
It Must Have Been The Roses
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

This is how I actually like Roses to be played. The faster, more countrified tempo works better to me than the more drawn out ballad this song would become in later years...beautiful as many of those were. Jerry's vocals are also great in this one and the song loses none of its melancholy longing for the faster and crisper clip at which it's played.
Cold Rain and Snow
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Jumps right into a fine Big River as well. Great eclectic not-your-typical set list for this show, esp. 2d set.
Cassidy
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Digging this whole show now. Love the drums in these chill '76 versions. The big jams that would come in later years are absent but especially with the incredibly clear Miller source available you hear how brilliantly Mickey and Billy fill the gaps and propel the song forward.
Franklin's Tower
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Franklin's out of Drums is nuts & there's a great Eyes-like mellow and long intro to this one & for those who like stretchy Franklin's this one clocks in around 16 mins. As noted, though, Jerry can't get out of his own way with the lyrics and just repeats a bunch of verses. For me it's just too sloppy for an upvote, but that said it should be checked out for some inspired jam sections and its unique set placement. You may feel it's worthy of some more votes and I wouldn't really put up much fight on that front.