headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
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.
88
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!
53
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
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Comments

He Was A Friend of Mine
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Nicely sung, with feeling. Short and sweet is right. Featured on the about to be released Dave's Picks vol. 10.
Eyes Of The World
June 4, 1977
The Forum

No SBD is no excuse for this kick-ass version being so buried down the list. There are 3 AUD versions available on the archive and the one curiously enough that is NOT labeled FOB sounds best to my ears and is more than adequate for hearing what is just another astonishing 1977 version of this beauty. Just take the 10 or so minutes to listen to this and tell me it shouldn't be higher on the ladder.
I Know You Rider
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Much as I love the well done electric pairings with China Cat this is more like the traditional way the song was meant to be heard. Reminds me of some of the great acoustic versions Hot Tuna often performed. It's nice to be reminded of how sweet the early Dead could sound when doing their mellow unplugged thing!
Here Comes Sunshine
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

Grooved to this one again today and while 2/23/74 still gets my vote as #1 this version is right on its heels. The jam section before the final verse is so improvisational and the inspiration flows in every direction. Bobby's rhythm riffs compliment Jerry so beautifully in spots...just stunning. Yes, the tape patch at the end is a buzz kill, but it's better than not having anything at all! Imagine if the tape simply cut out before the final ending chorus...and luckily it's only that final bit, just about 15 seconds or so. So worth it for what comes before.
Don't Need Love
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Gets lost amid the brilliance of one of the truly greatest 2d sets ever performed (the odyssey of UJB-space-PITB-space-Dew, etc.) but should not be overlooked. Brent's vocals are bluesy and impassioned and he sweeps awesome flourishes on the keys as well. Best version I've ever heard.
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