headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

5
The Weight
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

This is really the best one I've heard--everyobody nails their parts/lyrics...great piano fills on the side (yay, Bruce!). Just exactly, etc.
20
Althea
Sept. 9, 1982
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Incredible. Check out Brent's fills during the epic post-lyrics outro. A must-listen top tier Althea w/bounce, power, & panache!
17
Deal
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

Apparently no one is aware that a fellow named Keith played in this band or this version would have 50 votes already. Needs to be heard!
1
Pretty Peggy O
Sept. 4, 1980
Providence Civic Center

Outside of 1977 this may be the best version I've heard. A+ vocals from Jerry, killer mid-solo; slightly faster tempo. Must hear. Gr8 Matrix!
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Bob's lyric phrasing on this version is unique. He sings it in a way so different than any I've heard before & it's inventive & super-fun. Must hear!
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Comments

Row Jimmy
July 25, 1974
International Amphitheater

Best Row Jimmy of 1974 and also the best version period pre-1977 (see 3/20/77 and 4/12/78). Jerry vocals are picture perfect and Donna does not get in the way at all. The mid-verse jams are beautiful with gentle and then rising solos supported by a perfect pace and rhythm. Finishes with a strong, gorgeous chorus. Exceptional version needing FAR more many votes than it has now.
St. Stephen
June 24, 1970
Capitol Theatre

@chrisp Regarding 10/29/77 being the king of latter day versions: spot on! More attention needs to be paid...
The Other One
March 31, 1973
War Memorial

Didn't realize until giving it a second listen how nice this is. I mean "nice" literally. This is not an overly aggressive or crazy spacey Other One, but instead a quite jazzy, contemplative and nicely flowing version that melts beautifully into its cameo appearance components with equal grace: a controlled and very pretty Spanish Jam and a Feelin' Groovy Jam that just kinda starts on its own outta nowhere and then kicks into a nice Rider. Deserves higher ranking for these reasons and for the obscurity of these pieces all coming together within TOO.
Beat it on Down The Line
April 26, 1971
Fillmore East

Duane sounds fantastic on this.
Hard to Handle
April 26, 1971
Fillmore East

First time hearing this one and dare I say it--best ever? Even better than 8/6/71? OK, maybe not "better", but in the same conversation for sure. Longer jam sections in this one...it's a beaut.
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