headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

130
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Most pristine version I've ever heard. So smooth, so clear. Keith leads the way, Jerry brings it home. . Essential for all Wharf Rat fans
18
Aiko Aiko
Aug. 10, 1982
Iowa Fieldhouse - University of Iowa

Another kick-ass version out of Space...not as long&rising a wind-up as the 9-14-82 tripiness), but raucous, fun & full of N'awlins cajun rock!
36
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Powerhouse. Garcia belts out vocals. Hear amazing riff of added notes in the main theme instrumental sections.Drums pound away as well.
7
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 29, 1979
Cleveland Public Hall

Jerry commits strong vocals to this rendition--he's into it big time...& Brent adds great accompaniment. Very strong Garcia bridge jam as well.
118
Cumberland Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They could actually hit the high notes in '72, and the jams? Goodness gracious--this one just rips a hole in the space/time continuum!

Comments

Let It Grow
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

Must agree, especially that this show is seriously under-appreciated. This LIG has that '81-'82 magic to it. Check it and then go right to the Scarlet>Fire. You won't be disappointed.
Deal
July 19, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Deserthead is spot on. We don't need to be lectured on the qualities of JGB. And yes, those bands played fine Deals. Some may be "better" than some Dead versions, others are not. And I'll put up the Deal from 5/1/81 against any JGB version ever with no doubts of its superiority. I'm sure there are many others here who have their own favorites for which they'd do the same. This Alpine version is indisputably Heady, regardless of whether there may be a JGB version that can top it. You want to tout the qualities of JGB Deals, Donnie, go right ahead. But the declaration that these top Dead versions on the board here are somehow lacking, even in comparison, is just plain ignorant .
Casey Jones
Aug. 4, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Center

Love the slow, snaky cadence to this, especially for the lyrics. This song was always best when Jerry really nailed the lyrical parts and the windy groovier delivery here allows him to emphasize certain words and phrases. Ton of fun encore rendition from a great DP (31). .
It Must Have Been The Roses
Aug. 5, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Arena

Slightly faster tempo with this one does nothing to diminish the sweeping beauty of both the playing by the whole band and Garcia's terrific vocal reading. Just an excellent A+ version made even better by the fact that it emerges gorgeously from Half Step in one of the most seamless, underrated segues in Dead history, A first set bonus, if you will. Pull out yer DP 31 to hear it again or listen on archive. Either way, needs more climb on the ladder,
Bertha
March 27, 1993
Knickerbocker Arena

I do need to listen to more of this show. Will check out that Peggy O for sure.