headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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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
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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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