headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

14
Big Railroad Blues
May 11, 1972
Rotterdam Civic Hall

So rippin' good. Get your Jerry on.
28
Deep Elem Blues
April 5, 1982
The Spectrum

For a stellar electric version check out this one from Philly. Also included as filler material for Road Trips Vol. 4 No. 4
8
El Paso
May 10, 1972
Concertgebouw

Bobby's vocals are especially sweet & heartfelt in this one & Jerry adds some tasty southwestern-style licks. Very smooth.
15
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 28, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Interesting & under the radar version-sweet & mellow w/a relaxed intro & then usual great '77 exploration jamming--but more lovely than intense
12
Not Fade Away
April 3, 1982
The Scope

Check the new "Seaweed" SBD of this version...KILLER out of space... full 3 mins+ of pickin' Jammin' and Bobby rythms & Brent's sweeping flourishes!

Comments

Loser
June 28, 1995
The Palace

So it's heady why exactly? (Final time played doesn't cut it)
Not Fade Away
Oct. 1, 1977
Paramount Theatre

As noted this whole show is given the Rodney Dangerfield for no good reason. Strong '77 NFA here and it's true that the MNS from this show gets deep into "best of" territory.
Eyes Of The World
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

DeadProf is right in describing this gem as "delicate" but that shouldn't be construed to mean lacking in jam. This is a precise, delicate, and very focused version very typical of May '77 itself, but repeated listening brings out the nuances in this rendition, and it's well worth the journey. Much like my all time favorite version of 10/29/77 this one takes the time to breathe in the intro, gently exploring the terrain before getting into the heart of the song. Jerry's in total command of this version without really ever "going off" yet there is so much richness in his winding, jazzy reading that you don't ever feel a lack of energy. And yes, the melt into Wharf Rat emerges like it was written in the stars. One of the top DP releases of all time from just another spellbinding show from May of '77.
Stella Blue
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

From the show that just missed the boxed set release (5/11-5/17) yet is arguably as good if not better than any of those shows (probably falls second only to 5/17). This Stella is a moody, true ballad beast...not for anyone lacking patience, this takes demanded, active listening to appreciate and yeah, the solo work by Jerry is the pay-off. There's also a killer Lazy Lightning>Supplication from this show with many other big highlights.
The Music Never Stopped
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

This was indeed Donna's greatest tune, and this version is as good an example of what she could bring to this tune as any that exists.