headyversion

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Books and Music

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Submissions

8
Row Jimmy
Feb. 4, 1978
Milwaukee Auditorium

If a SBD of this version and show existed we'd all be talking it up. But the AUD is pretty good, & this RJ has tasty Garcia licks. Don't overlook it!
54
Jack Straw
June 4, 1978
Campus Stadium - University Of California

For the love of Jerry you MUST listen to this immediately. Cease all other activities and prepare to have your jaw hit the floor!
14
The Music Never Stopped
Sept. 24, 1976
William and Mary College Hall

Seguing out of a sick Franklin's Tower it gets fast, flawless rolling licks from Jerry and great timing from the rest +killer final Jam
5
Brokedown Palace
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet end to a magical show. Perfect harmonies w/Brent. Only flaw is when Bob says "careful up there" to someone doin' somethin' werid in the rafters
120
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 20, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

Talk about slipping through the cracks: This is a classic long, jamming sick slick trip thru both tunes. Intro to FIRE one of the best ever performed
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Comments

Eyes Of The World
Feb. 3, 1978
Dane County Coliseum

I've been undervaluing this one for too long. Jerry's intro is endless and powerful and the in-between verses jams are deep deep deep! Maybe a point off for Jer's vocals, which are pretty weak and tepid in this version, but the jamming more than makes up for it.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

@rchoover88 Oh, believe me--I have it! Couldn't wait to have and hear this show in HDCD and so psyched it's here. Liner notes describe this version as "lighter than air" or something and that's pretty spot-on. This version just flows like a river. And wait til you get to 5/13 in ChiTown. Different vibe but also amazing.
Cosmic Charlie
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

OK, where exactly has this version been hiding all this time? Vocally superior to any CC I've ever heard before. Sweet, mellow, beautifully played. Simply terrific little bridge jam in the middle before the coda featuring fluid Jerry and a gliding Keith (who also shines at the end). Spot-on choice and my new favorite.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Needed to bump this version after repeated recent listening of the DP release. SCORCHING jam section that loses nothing by omission of the feelin groovy jam...the intensity of the garcia riffs more than makes up for it, and the rendition of IKYR doesn't let up either. Exceptional reading of ChinaCat as well and very strong vocals from Jerry.
Dark Star
Feb. 26, 1973
Pershing Municipal Auditorium

The first 19 minutes of this Dark Star gets my vote as best, most musically gorgeous and "true jazz" version ever performed. Around the 11 minute mark Phil starts laying down a Miles Davis-like line that Bobby follows flawlessly and Jerry adds delicate touches to. Sadly, after the verse is sung at 19 minutes it denigrates into dissonant space-junk-scary-feedback ridiculousness (I realize this is blasphemy to many) and so I can't give it "best ever" status, but those first 19 minutes are so good I did add a vote to bump this one up the ladder.
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