headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.
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Comments

Not Fade Away
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Hey Ragnaroar.....for a super great funky, totally different-sounding early Brent NFA check out 11/2/79....maybe the most underrated NFA ever.
Not Fade Away
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Love the space/funk intro into this...Brent gave this song totally new life in the early 80s before it turned into a waste of time crowd-clapping throwaway in the latter part of the decade and into the 90s...this is when the song still had some FUNK to it. Nice pick. There's also (believe it or not) a super-swinging and excellent "Don't Ease Me In" from this show.
Not Fade Away
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

I finally "get" this version, helped by the new box set cleaned up recording, but also b/c I see now that it's more of a patient rendition, with Jerry playing the long game rather than going for the quick KO blow. My favorite is still the breaking through the gates of hell version from 12/29/77 which is all power and fury, but this one rewards for its long, flowing jam presence. If you want to take a long sweet float down the NFA river, this is the raft you want to be on. +1
Bertha
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

There's a killer Terrapin from this show as well and an all-time Iko w/the Nevillies. This Bertha is high energy and can hang with the big boys for certain.
Estimated Prophet
June 25, 1978
Autzen Stadium, U. of Oregon

Heck yeah! Fine version from a really oddly underrated 1978 winner. Check out the "Eyes" from this show as well.
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