headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.
show more submissions

Comments

Bird Song
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Gotta up this one. Most 72s and 73s follow a familiar pattern (a great one) and this one does too but somehow sounds a little different. A little more energy in the interplay and buildup and resolution. Take maybe half a point off for Phil being too audible in the vocals (he's terrible on this song), but musically, instrumentally it's all there and then some. 6/22/73 is still the greatest of all time, but I'm glad to see this one near the top. Could use a few more votes, though.
Samson and Delilah
March 9, 1981
Madison Square Garden

This comes straight out of a ripping China>Rider and keeps the mojo movin'. Brent, Jerry, everyone in high gear.
The Music Never Stopped
Jan. 10, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Would add too that this show is a sadly overlooked and underrated monster. First rate renditions also of Miracle, Shakedown, & Dark Star.
Shakedown Street
Oct. 25, 1979
New Haven Coliseum

Absolutely thinks this kicks the living snot out of Merriweather and would love to see it knock 6/30/85 outta the top spot. Probably won't happen but IMO the true funk is found in this killer version and the jam is consistently hot ALL the way thru, not just at the end as everyone seems to say is the case on 6/30/85. Not to mention way better vocals (Jerry in '85? Come on), and just an all-around much grittier, tighter, spot-on version of Shake here in New Haven.
Hey Pocky Way
Oct. 3, 1987
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Upvote needed here fer certain. This stands up w/some of the best Neville Bros. renditions. The boys were heavily into the Crescent City sound in '87 and it shows here.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)