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

Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 3, 1977
Raceway Park

Agree with Estimated insofar as that while Englishtown is a fine show, it is not to my ears as spectacular as its rep seems to be. For the greatest 1/2 step ever performed--by a country mile--I go immediately to Broome County 11/6/77, and have yet to hear a better one. Yes, that includes 5/7/77, which is terrific.
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 8, 1982
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Nice call. Fast-pickin' by Jerry but controlled at the same time--nice, extended bridge solo and no flubs on the lyrics. I tend towards 1977 versions but this one speaks well for its time!
Eyes Of The World
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

I can't vote for this twice but can add that it is indeed criminally underrated here. The opening jam alone before a word is sung is a thing of beauty and the ensuing jams in between are stunning in execution and inventiveness. It's not quite the level of the IMO best-ever 10/29/77 but it's not far off either.
Fire On The Mountain
Oct. 31, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

This is the longer, un-cut original version from "Dead Set"!
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 30, 1978
Pauley Pavilion

Props to Donna on this one. Possibly her finest moment of adding lovely, in-tune scatting for the first portion of the transition jam. Rolls it along nicely into the instrumental jam section. The "Fire" in this pairing is noteworthy as well for Jerry's excellent vocals--belting out the lyrics, and--a rarity--not missing a single word.
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