headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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

Brown Eyed Women
Dec. 15, 1972
Long Beach Arena

While I still prefer the later 70s versions with the more expansive jam section, this one has what none of those others do: the absolute perfect shuffle-beat rhythm and pacing that evokes the old west feel reinforced by the lyrics. It's a classic BEW in every sense of the word. I take a half point away for some of the vocals on the group chorus parts (way too much warbly Phil here for my liking) but others may think that also adds to the song's rustic western roots. In any event, it's an easy +1 for me and should be way higher on the list. This show in general, too, has some real fine nuggets, especially the jam out of Truckin'. Thanks for the heads up!
New Orleans
June 21, 1984
Kingswood Music Theater

Such A great tune that should have been played more often. Bobby gets after this one and nails (most) of the lyrics. Neil Diamond would be proud.
To Lay Me Down
July 13, 1989
RFK Stadium

Just a lovely version from a great run of shows. Delicate playing by all and a beautifully paced solo by Jerry.
Bertha
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Love this debut version for its sheer power and speed and especially Jerry's ad-lib lyrical add-ons ("had a sinking feeling I was falling"/"heard a sweet voice calling...").,,only thing missing is an instrumental mid-section jam, but it's still an A+ version for its kicking hot out of the gate rock on vibe. Big +1 here.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Aug. 6, 1982
St. Paul Civic Center

Deserves to be in double digits at the very least. Long jam into wind in the willows, lots of Brent in the transition jam and a very good fire. 1982 was a hit or miss year show wise overall but the Scar>Fires are consistently good.