headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

6
They Love Each Other
Nov. 4, 1979
Civic Center

Early in Brent's tenure he's locked in for the 1st part of a long, flowing instrumental mid-section. Jer doesn't disappoint either. Underrated version
11
Crazy Fingers
April 3, 1990
The Omni

Very strong entry w/no lyrical mistakes & Jerry in fine voice, esp. for the year. Crystal clean sound from '90 spring box set shows how good this is!
14
Brokedown Palace
Sept. 16, 1972
Boston Music Hall

This melts like a dream from a weirdly underrated Dark Star & is sung beautifully by Jerry & played sweetly by all. Give a listen!
7
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Sept. 20, 1991
Boston Garden

Ok technically it's Help>Slipknot>Fire but c'mon that's pretty cool & even w/out the novelty of the change-up it's a sweet version
11
Take A Step Back
Oct. 31, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Phil: "Remember, if you step up too close We'll HAVE TO STOP PLAYING. Weir: I would remind you all that Halloween is not a legal holiday"

Comments

Cassidy
July 3, 1978
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

Yes! (Turns out, though, that they were intentionally forgetting to sing at the end on a bunch of '78 versions (see 4/24/78 and 5/14/78 as two other examples that, like this one, are excellent nonetheless.)
Bertha
May 5, 1978
Thompson Arena - Dartmouth College

Love the slower, groovier tempo...reminiscent (though not rising to the same level of headiness) as 10/29/77...but very good nonetheless,,,this whole show gets overlooked for some reason. Check out the Miller SBD and most certainly the "Eyes" from this show,
Stir It Up
March 21, 1991
Capital Centre

^^^^You're 100% right. I was just playing this one the other day and marveling at how good it is. I was at the Hampton show when they broke it out in the 80s and it was a blast for the novelty of it but this version tears that one to shreds. They really work the theme here, taking the time to let it wind up and develop and then when they get into the meat of the jam they just give it the perfect tempo/reggae feel treatment and it shines. A way underappreciated gem that deserves a whole lot more votes, especially given how few versions there are. This needs to get into double digits or we're guilty of ignoring an inspired reading of a tune that was a real and rare treat.
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

There's a lot from this show that gets overlooked. (The Cassidy most egregiously. Far better than many higher on the list), But this Roses deserves some love too.
Cosmic Charlie
July 16, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

The more I listen the more I love it. Quiet in all the right parts; mellow but deep and confident reading. One of Donna's better tunes and one of her finest versions right here. Ups.