headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

64
Let It Grow
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

Lightning quick yet totally on-track riffs from Jerry; intense, powerful version. Weir 100% into it. Segues into killer Deal. Trust me. Must hear.
50
Tennessee Jed
Oct. 10, 1982
Frost Amphitheatre

Perfect wind up, pitch & strike down the middle. I've yet to hear a better one, though I'll try some of the recs here. Til then.....
27
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
June 8, 1977
Winterland Arena

From one of the greatest shows ever, a bring the house down killer. Keith w/perfect piano exc. point!
40
Althea
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

Perfect groove and massive push from Phil post-lyrics
42
Estimated Prophet
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

From the famous "ravenspace" show; the only version in which the main theme is reprised+lots of Bob yelling

Comments

Friend of the Devil
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

Might just be the greatest instrumental bridge jam section prior to final verse that they ever did in this tune. Spellbinding flowing layered & beautiful
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

Love Jerry’s vocal on this one. Into it from the get-go with lots of grit and gusto
Here Comes Sunshine
March 18, 1994
Rosemont Horizon

Upping this for the energy/effort factor. Not crazy about the aforementioned Vinny synth sounds (I’m no midi fan either) but this is an uptempo, highly groovy reading of a classic & one of my favorite Wake of the Flood tunes, and I appreciate the band still giving it their all in a pretty rocky year. (Best to go in without first hearing one of the old gems from ‘73 though, because there’s virtually no long jazz jamming in this latter day version)
Brother Esau
April 20, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

The versions with the long wind-ups are my favorite & this one features a cool, patient, slinky intro section. Such an underrated Bobby tune--very nice one here. 10/28/85 at the Fox is another good one.
Aiko Aiko
March 27, 1988
Hampton Coliseum

Tight li'l nugget right here, surprised it's not higher--Jerry belts out each verse!