headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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.

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.