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

Franklin's Tower
Aug. 3, 1982
Starlight Theatre

Extra Zip and Pep to this really outstanding early 80's version, with Jer nailing the lyrics and a hard charging flurry of great rollicking thunder...extra point for the smack-you-in-the-face-outta-nowhere transition from Half-Step. Deserves some serious up-votage, and as many early 80's fans will attest, this whole show is one of the greats of that era.
Althea
May 7, 1980
Barton Hall - Cornell University

This is a spectacular version flawlessly delivered vocally by Jerry and with just a rumbling, ascending flurry of jamming post-lyrics that needs to be listened to w/more ears and hoisted up the rankings here. Crystal clear sound quality via Road Trips release, more than worth the investment. *I mis-reviewed this version under 5/6/80 thinking it was from the same release but the Penn State show, but I think this is the version I meant to review.
Stella Blue
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

Mellow and delicate version and Donna absent, which is a very good thing for this tune. Not trying to hate on Donna at all, and I appreciate her presence on tunes like TMNS, but this song is much better without her going off key on the "shine" chorus. In fact, here, there's no call-back to it at all, just Jerry's guitar, and it works beautifully.
Here Comes Sunshine
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

Update: there's a newly uploaded CM version of this show and this tune with the buzz kill tape patch at the end FIXED! Making this stellar version just exactly perfect, Worth heading over to the archive to find. Still have 2/23/74 as my #1 title holder but this is hard on its heels at #2.
Candyman
Feb. 24, 1974
Winterland Arena

Sounds better than ever on DaP 13. Outstanding version that has the aforementioned crazy good Jerry solo, a much longer one than we usually get from this era, and it's note perfect. All around winner version.
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