headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23519


Submissions

78
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
81
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
50
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect
29
Candyman
Dec. 15, 1986
Oakland Coliseum Arena

Must hear b/c it's Jerry's first show back after the coma...crowd goes INSANE on "won't you tell everybody you meet that the Candyman's in town!"
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Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 16, 1989
The Mecca

Such a groovy '89 rendition-not sure why it isn't much higher on the board. Brent shines especially in Fire with some great creative fills & Garcia doesn't miss a lyric. Sleeper pick here.
West L.A. Fadeaway
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Best early incarnation version I've ever heard--hands down. Would rank it overall only behind Alpine '89 and maybe Copps '90--maybe.
Althea
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Realizing "this is too low" comments are ubiquitous up and down the board but some of them are actually understatements--hoping you'll take the time to listen to this version & rank this among them. Garcia's in full control on this one--every lyric nailed, the solos are spellbinding and it's played at perfect tempo--a bit faster than the early 80s versions but not too fast--allowing plenty of funky accents in the bridge jamming--and Bobby's rhythm is sublime. Such a great great underrated version right here at less than 10 votes when I decided to pipe up about it.
Candyman
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Why are we not talking about and up-voting this spectacular version? Just listen to Jerry's vocal commitment in the opening verse -- "Come all you pretty womenzzzz..." & later when the whiskey gets passed around he's all over it with a beaut of a guitar solo as well. Oughta be much higher
Ship of Fools
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Ridiculously ignored version with a fully engaged Garcia vocal, great Donna harmonies, and beautiful playing throughout. Crazy this doesn't have more votes.
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