headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.
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Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

In terms solely regarding TRANSITION into FIRE this is a top 3 all-time. The rest is very good.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 14, 1971
Davis Gym, Bucknell University

Great early power version. Garcia especially shines and the origins of what would become the best known transition jam are evident.
Beat it on Down The Line
March 18, 1967
Winterland Arena

Surfer punk indeed!! Jerry does a rolling riff near the end of the tune that is so fluid and perfect it makes you shake your your head yet again at how many different styles this band could master!
The Music Never Stopped
Oct. 1, 1977
Paramount Theatre

After further review: The best.
Bird Song
March 22, 1973
Utica Memorial Auditorium

Shares many of the spacey, Dark-Star-like elements as PNE Coliseum 3 months later (that one is still the gold standard), but this version deserves far more attention/listening and votes. Soaring, dreamlike Birdsong.
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