headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect
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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.
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