headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

34
Dupree's Diamond Blues
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

Outstanding version with a nice Jerry-led jam early in the tune, after the first verse.
8
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 15, 1978
Sphinx Theatre

Almost criminal this isn't here yet. Grab the Egypt '78 CD & hear one of the loveliest "Eyes" ever. Jazzy, intricate, sweet, & inspired!
13
Loser
Oct. 14, 1977
Hofheinz Pavilion

Possibly the most underrated version of all time with an absolute MONSTER jam by Jerry. Must listen!
8
Looks Like Rain
March 24, 1988
Omni Coliseum

Listen closely: I HATE THIS SONG. Always have. So when I say this is killer it means a lot; & fans of this song tell me it's legendary.
18
Row Jimmy
May 3, 1977
The Palladium

After 3/20/77 and 4/12/78 this may be the best RJ ever. Check out the Miller version that fills in a tape-flip gap & revel in more Garcia magic.
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Comments

Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

The unheralded portion of this great version is the "help", which to my ears is performed better than any other. Check out the first jam section...it's fluid and jazzy and perfect in every way and just carries the momentum beautifully into "slipknot " without rushing along. The rest is pretty great too but it's the first of the trilogy in this version that makes it special.
He's Gone
May 22, 1982
Greek Theatre - University of California

Yessiree, and this whole show is among those in '82 that somehow get overlooked for overall excellence. Also check out 9/11/82 for a real sleeper show.
They Love Each Other
Feb. 26, 1973
Pershing Municipal Auditorium

The more I listen to this DP release the more I realize it's one of the top 5 in the series. This TLEO just offers up another example for why.
Pretty Peggy O
Sept. 3, 1977
Raceway Park

Most interesting about this fine version is that it comes as close as possible to being a kind of "rock and roll" rendition of what is in every other version a quiet, heartfelt ballad. This is played at a much faster pace than most others and with far edgier, louder, and grittier leads by Jerry that definitely evoke more of a rock feel. Perhaps this was intentional as they were playing before an enormous festival crowd at Raceway Park and wanted to avoid anything too slow and potentially drowsy.
Crazy Fingers
June 22, 1976
Tower Theatre

Very tasty, and Donna doesn't get in the way as in other '76 versions at key moments...it also melts rather sweetly into "Comes a Time", which is nice.
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