headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

13
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
52
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.
13
Gloria
Oct. 16, 1981
Melkweg

Bobby's birthday at the world famous Melkeweg. Yummy brownies make this version extra special.
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Comments

Dark Star
Feb. 11, 1969
Fillmore East

Much like some of the 10-12 minute PITB's of the Europe '72 run deliver the goods as well as many marathon later versions do, this Dark Star gets down to business while still leaving plenty of room for Garcia to explore the universe with the rest of the crew keeping the ship on course when needed. A concise but bold & brilliant DS worthy of higher ranking. Lots to love here---don't dismiss it for being under half an hour!
Franklin's Tower
Dec. 28, 1980
Oakland Auditorium

Such an underrated gem here--check out Jerry's hard bite vocal on "One watched by NIGHT" & the ensuing jam shredder that follows.
Franklin's Tower
Sept. 23, 1987
The Spectrum

^^^^^Yes!Indeedy! Total sleeper pick here. I agree this is how Franklin's is best played--uptempo but not too fast clip, crunchy Jerry guitar fills & lots of nice tinkling by Brent not mucked up by using fisher price sounds--more traditional key sound here--and unlike some older versions, there's no drag here or lull in the middle--propulsive, driving and yet still beautiful in spots--this is a five star Franklin's hiding in plain view & just waiting to be discovered. I recommend the Healy matrix--and make sure you check out Jerry's impassioned growling in the outro chorus. Excellent recommend!
Comes A Time
May 21, 1977
Lakeland Civic Center

Had to add to this vote total b/c on further listening the guitar solo is nearly as pristine as 5/9/77 & has its own special touch of Jerry--slinky, almost dragging across the strings but w/out losing the gentleness that marks the solo-- & this version has overall better vocals (by a hair, but still)....Buffalo still deserves its top spot for the indescribable "it" or "X" factor, but this gorgeous version is every bit as worthy if not "the" one.
Touch of Grey
March 27, 1987
Civic Center

One of the best things about the new DaP is getting this awesome version in tip top matrix form.
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