headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+23519


Submissions

8
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 27, 1982
Oakland Auditorium

Seek out the CM SBD (2d set only). This is a fine combo w/Brent & Jer driving Scarlet & Phil prominent in Fire. '82 was a sweet year for S>F!
7
The Other One
Oct. 12, 1977
Manor Downs

Another roaring out of the gate and sustained thereafter 01 that should not be ignored. '77 had its great share & this is one of 'em. Heavy on Phil!
9
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

While I prefer the 1977 BEWs overall this one is excellent for its speed & precision & Jerry nailing all the lyrics w/ gusto! Don't overlook this gem!
4
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

The overlooked European tour. Love Jer's voice for this song in '81.Hangs an extra vocal note or 2 on the chilly winds don't blow refrain. Great stuff
5
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

One of the earliest live versions ever and boy oh boy is Jerry into it. Belts out the lyrics. Quick tempo & a real joy to hear!

Comments

The Wheel
July 16, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

darkstar^^^good point that while a lot of wheels are spacey build-ups (& great they are) this one stands out for getting right into the theme but w/out sacrificing the ethereal moody mellowness of the tune. As Ernie noted as well some very distinguishable eastern influences make this a slightly different & wonderful version.
Let It Grow
Sept. 7, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Was this really the live debut? If so, up there with the best “first evers” of all time. Jammed out & jazzy & rolls into a stellar Stella.
Stella Blue
Sept. 7, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

rolls gently & smoothly from Let It Grow & is a real gorgeous rendition with no interference on out of key vocals as later versions suffer from. End jam is surprisingly intricate & lengthy given the song's relative infancy. Excellent stuff.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 17, 1974
Winterland Arena

Heck yeah and to all the above comments. Worthy of way higher ranking
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

Mind hasn't been changed about this version being undeserving of its far & away #1 all time position but (& perhaps this is obvious to some but it's only just recetly dawned on me) that perhaps the magic of this version is that it can be truly listed as ONE song more than any other existing rendition. The Scarlet end & Fire beginning are just about indistinguishable and the "transition: doesn't even really feel like one. All other versions stand out for their distinctive pairings but Corenll is truly all of one piece. It's amazing & should be rightfully celebrated for that fact. Best ever? Not to these ears. Top 20? Fer sure--and unique among all others--true as well.