headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect

Comments

Wharf Rat
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

Great Rat, and a fine show that somehow gets overlooked. They closed the rink in fine form.
Cassidy
April 24, 1978
Horton Field House - Illinois State University

Notable for absence of lyrics "flight of the seabirds" at the end, but the jam itself wraps up beautifully. I'd say this is the best pre-80's version before they started adding the "extra" middle jam that made versions like 10/12/83 so magnificent.
Shakedown Street
Sept. 10, 1991
Madison Square Garden

Just became acquainted with this one. Branford shines & funk ensues.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Dec. 10, 1971
Fox Theatre

Ho-lee-smokes!!! gdtrfb, thanks a ton for this recommendation--the China Cat lick prior to the goin' jam is just beyond tasty. These kinds of hidden gems are just what I come to heady versions for!!!!
Dire Wolf
June 27, 1969
Veterans Auditorium

Def. my fave...Bobby actually sings it great w/nice country twang...can't beat Jerry's pedal steel sound.