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!
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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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