headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

56
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

The very definition of "underrated." Almost lost to time& yet it kills. No flubbed verses, great steady reggae jams;perfect transition. Please try it.
46
Ramble On Rose
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

Jerry sounds "just like Wolfman Jack" when he growwwlllzzz out the final chorus on "Goodbye Mama & Papa...!" Whole version is aces back to back!
45
It's All Over Now Baby Blue
Oct. 10, 1982
Frost Amphitheatre

Jerry in especially soulful voice on this completely perfecto version from one of the best shows of '82. If you like 4-6 Spectrum, you'll love this.
18
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

My favorite "sandwich" version, this PITB actually begins in the 2nd set as reprise from the previous night! Insane weaving thru UJB/Space/Dew
22
Samson and Delilah
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Goofy stage banter by Bob, then the rippingest, roaringest, best-drummed version I know.
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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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