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

The Race Is On
May 3, 1986
Cal Expo

Candidate for best show of '86, which is like being the fastest kid in the slow-runner's race...but still, this IS probably the best electric version of Race Is On I've ever heard. They nail it. Jerry's backing vocals alone are worth the price of admission on this one--he sounds great.
Wharf Rat
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

True on all counts.
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

In typical Bob fashion he overdoes it on the final note, elongating his vocal way past the point where it shoulda ended, but so what? Everything up til that moment is him belting out every word with gusto and passion and it's a top shelf rendition that's got to be upvoted!
When I Paint My Masterpiece
March 25, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena

D'oh! See 10/11/89
Althea
Oct. 27, 1991
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Didn't think I'd find any Althea's post-'89 I'd like this much, Bruce's little rag-time fills in the opening section are awesome and the punctuation guitar shots thrown in for good measure are pretty cool too. Upvote worthy.