headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

130
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Most pristine version I've ever heard. So smooth, so clear. Keith leads the way, Jerry brings it home. . Essential for all Wharf Rat fans
18
Aiko Aiko
Aug. 10, 1982
Iowa Fieldhouse - University of Iowa

Another kick-ass version out of Space...not as long&rising a wind-up as the 9-14-82 tripiness), but raucous, fun & full of N'awlins cajun rock!
36
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Powerhouse. Garcia belts out vocals. Hear amazing riff of added notes in the main theme instrumental sections.Drums pound away as well.
7
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 29, 1979
Cleveland Public Hall

Jerry commits strong vocals to this rendition--he's into it big time...& Brent adds great accompaniment. Very strong Garcia bridge jam as well.
118
Cumberland Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They could actually hit the high notes in '72, and the jams? Goodness gracious--this one just rips a hole in the space/time continuum!
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Comments

Dark Star
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Have only just come around to appreciating this one...the first 12 mins. leading up to the first verse are simply beautiful...it's jazz to meditate to and luxuriate in...the rest of the journey gets deeper into harder driving themes but as has been mentioned in these comments never deviates into ear-splitting dissonant cacophony--which is a good thing. Then you get that sublime segue into Sugar Mag and, wow, those lucky Brits got to hear one of the all-timers.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 25, 1973
Feyline Field

Did they ever perform a bad version of this song in 1973? I have my doubts but even in a sea of goodness this one deserves some love for its spacey-jazzy consistency.
St. Stephen
April 23, 1969
The Ark

@spaced and @donnyraindoc Go check out 10/29/77 before you decide there are no Stephens past '71 worth exploring.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

THis one's all about the incredible segue of "Dark Star Jam" leading flawlessly/seamlessly into the opening notes of China Cat...the version that follows is pretty freaking great also...maybe shave half a point off for not the best SBD quality, but that has nothing to do w/the quality of the performance...they didn't start China Cat coming out of other songs very often, but this, along with the HCS>China Cat from 2/17/73 are the best I've ever heard.
Row Jimmy
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Listen to Jerry's flow-like-a-river first solo. How smooth is that? A rare mid-tempo "not too fast and not too slow" version that needs much more love.
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