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

Tennessee Jed
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

Can't believe it wasn't here already. Great Jed from a legendary show.
When Push Comes to Shove
Aug. 11, 1987
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

One of those songs everyone seemed down on back in the day but in hindsight, when you find versions in which Jerry sings it with gusto & doesn't muck up the words, it's pretty damn great. This version delivers it all, with a nice, hot jam section punctuated by great rolling Brent piano fills. Up it. (I'm gonna listen to some other versions on this list as well. As Donnie notes on another listing , this song isn't getting the respect it deserves.)
Bird Song
July 15, 1984
Greek Theatre - University of California

I'm a '72-'73 snob when it comes to this tune and often scoff at any 80s version being mentioned in the same company (mostly b/c Jerry's vocals are just painful when he tries to hit the high notes), but this is so spectacular it can hang with nearly any of the vintage year Bird Songs, and somehow, despite the year, Garcia actually sings it well! The jam is a palette of sound and color and imagination that rewards multiple listening. Another diamond found in the rough of a tough year.
Ramble On Rose
July 15, 1984
Greek Theatre - University of California

Just outstanding vocals from Jerry here. Man, he was out of it a lot in '84, but when he was IN IT, he was electrifying. This version is all about growling vocals, commitment to each verse and line, and a pretty damn fine bridge jam thrown in for good measure. As noted above, check out "Goodbye Momma & Papa..." Dang.
Pretty Peggy O
Jan. 18, 1978
Stockton Civic Auditorium

Her CrackStraw, I was once there with this song. Never disliked it, just never gave it much thought. These days, it's one of my favorites. Good thing is there are so many really outstanding versions....they always played this song beautifully, especially in 1977. I'd check out nearly any '77 from the top tier of this list--I'll just throw out one right now: 5/5/77, and if nothing else marvel at Jerry's solos in the instrumental sections. It's Wes Montgomery jazz worthy stuff. Jerry also seemed to love the "story" of this song, and rarely messed up the words, which is funny, considering the multiple verses. Anyway, hope you find one or a hundred you like.
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