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

Playin' In The Band
Oct. 19, 1973
Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena

Deadprof & Cgarces are both spot-on. Just pulled this one out today and realized this version has a ton in common with the "Birdsong" from 6/22/73, in that it contains, dream-like, space-goo jazz passages that just float into your brain and give it a big musical hug. The flow back into the reprise is organically delicious and you get the sense that no matter how deep into cloudspace they went, the PITB focus was never lost, only waiting in the background. Superior version.
He's Gone
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Soulful like a gospel choir in the singing outro portion. Jerry's riffs into "Goin where the wind don't blow so strange" verse are worth the price of admission alone.
Eyes Of The World
Feb. 26, 1973
Pershing Municipal Auditorium

Been listening to this show more and more and this EYES is certainly underrated, probably b/c '73 was so chock full of great versions. But this one has a steady consistency and a flawless groove that swings and rocks and jazzes along. Also it might be the first version of the year to avoid a lot of clunkiness in the post-lyrics "stronger than dirt" section....it mostly nails it down. Very sweet Eyes.
The Other One
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

All what's said above and more. Before they start the 'he's Gone" that precedes this 01, Bobby sez "We're gonna beg your indulgence and play another sorta slow one (they had done Ship of Fools right before), "but it won't stay slow for long", and the Other One that charges outta the gate led by Phil En Fuego proves him right. Some very cool pre-space exploration as well.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Oct. 19, 1981
Sports Palace

Upvote worthy. Kinda overlooked version and show. Lotta interesting S>F action in '81.
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