headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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!

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.