headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Books and Music

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Submissions

2
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 4, 1982
Kiel Auditorium

Fast-picking goodness. Jerry's bridge solo is long and lightning quick and awesome. 1 point off for lyric flub on re-entry, but the rest is gold.
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
15
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!
19
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

As insanely good as the Wharf Rat that precedes it. How good? Almost matches 10/29/77 in intensity. Final jam section b4 SSDD will boggle your senses!
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Comments

Jack Straw
June 10, 1990
Cal Expo

Needs a bump for certain. There are a ridiculous number of super-hit versions of this song. They performed it well in every era (though the extended jam portion/touchdown didn't really take off until 1977), but this version is so good it belongs in any "Top 10" discussion. I'll still rank several higher (such as 10/29/77, 6/4/78, 4/6/87, and 12/29/77 to name just a few, but I'd never rank this version anywhere below #10 all time.)
China Doll
Oct. 23, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

This to me beats every electric version and really brings out the true essence of the song. It's never sounded more beautiful or haunting. Also love the crowd reaction after the "Take up your China Doll..." chorus.
Pretty Peggy O
May 5, 1977
New Haven Coliseum

Has one of the best mid-song jams ever performed in this tune There are a couple others I like a tad better overall (12/27/77, 5/19/77), but this is easily a top-tier version that also gets my vote.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 5, 1977
New Haven Coliseum

My guess is that there are so many incredible S>F combos in May '77 that equally worthy entries like this one just get over- looked. This whole show cooks (check out the Peggy-O), and this combo is up there w/any of the best from this golden month/year.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 9, 1981
Activity Center - University of Colorado

Not only is this version sick, it is sickeningly underrated here. The transition jamming is furious and the "Rider" may actually be better than the "China", which is extremely rare indeed. PLUS you get the added fun of Bobby actually saying "Here comes the breakdown, ladies and gentlemen" during the acapella coda section at the end. If this isn't the best China>Rider of 1981 I don't know what is (yes, it's better than MSG from March), and it stands as one of the best post 70's versions ever played. So many more votes needed here. For real.
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