headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.
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Comments

Man Smart, Woman Smarter
July 12, 1989
RFK Stadium

Superior jam between verses. Hornsby as noted is a great addition but Brent is spectacular too and Jerry goes way past midi to get after the true guitar grit in his soloing. Easily a top 3 version all time.
Uncle John's Band
Aug. 26, 1971
Gaelic Park

Five now. This is outstanding, surprisingly so for an early incarnation. Great confident in control outro jam. Up it.
Not Fade Away
July 4, 1989
Rich Stadium

^^^^ 100% true. NFA became a garbage late 2nd set throwaway in the late 80s with little jamming replaced by gimmicky hand clapping, crowd chanting and "Mmm-bop" repetition. This one has about 28 votes too many.
China Doll
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

I've never been a huge fan of this song and my favorite version is probably the acoustic from Reckoning but for any electric version this is by far the one I keep coming back to for beauty, flow, grace, and execution. What a show this is up and down the lineup!
Shakedown Street
Aug. 13, 1979
McNichols Arena

The more Shakedowns I spin from '79 the more convinced I am that the song was performed better and more consistently funky in this year than any other and this one from Denver is just the latest to make my personal list. Go immediately to the Miller SBD and get ready for Phil's insanely chunky thick fuzz bass bonanza!
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