headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

5
The Weight
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

This is really the best one I've heard--everyobody nails their parts/lyrics...great piano fills on the side (yay, Bruce!). Just exactly, etc.
20
Althea
Sept. 9, 1982
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Incredible. Check out Brent's fills during the epic post-lyrics outro. A must-listen top tier Althea w/bounce, power, & panache!
17
Deal
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

Apparently no one is aware that a fellow named Keith played in this band or this version would have 50 votes already. Needs to be heard!
1
Pretty Peggy O
Sept. 4, 1980
Providence Civic Center

Outside of 1977 this may be the best version I've heard. A+ vocals from Jerry, killer mid-solo; slightly faster tempo. Must hear. Gr8 Matrix!
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Bob's lyric phrasing on this version is unique. He sings it in a way so different than any I've heard before & it's inventive & super-fun. Must hear!
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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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