headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

26
Scarlet Begonias
Oct. 3, 1976
Cobo Arena

No clean SBD on archive but at official Dead site a pristine version was on 30 days of Dead for DL. 2d best stand-alone I've heard next to 3-20-77
64
Pretty Peggy O
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

DP Vol. 29...Each time I think I've heard the best (i.e. 12/27/77) I hear one better. This is it. Flowing, gorgeous Jerry bridge jam. Perfection.
4
Don't Ease Me In
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Proves the boys could really swing when they wanted to. Hear Jerry on "The Girl I Love" line; like 'Gator Alley--1980 a good year for this tune
31
Not Fade Away
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Insane. Ridiculous. Drummers locked in, Garcia in take-no-prisoners mode. 16+ minutes of full-bore Rock to the G-D Roll.
127
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Most pristine version I've ever heard. So smooth, so clear. Keith leads the way, Jerry brings it home. . Essential for all Wharf Rat fans
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Comments

Samson and Delilah
June 24, 1985
River Bend Music Center

Best Jerry background vocals ever for this song. Hecka jammed out too.
They Love Each Other
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Maybe the best ever of Jerry's "fast version" solos...jazz gem. 1/4 point off for a typical Garcia lyrical flub but that's the only thing keeping this one from perfection. Call it a one-hitter instead of a perfect game, but it deserves to rise in the standings
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
Nov. 1, 1977
Cobo Arena

As raucous as many listed higher and far far greater than many if them, too. Five votes is way to few for this gem.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 19, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

Just lightning quick mesmerizing finger picking from Jerry on the transition into Rider, one of the best I've heard in any era. Jerome's vocals are, well, it''s '84 so temper your expectations, but he does nail the lyrics and the whole combo is an underrated gem likely to get more deserved accolades being on the new DaP.
Ramble On Rose
Sept. 20, 1990
Madison Square Garden

As a confirmed MIDI hater I have to admit the best part of this excellent version is Jerry's mid-"trumpet" solo courtesy of the gizmo thingy. 9 times out of 10 that gadget is a poor substitute for a real Garcia guitar solo but here it's simply triumphant. Jer also gets points for trying his best (& succeeding) in nailing down all the lyrics in the venue where he most needs to get tt right, & while the 1990 croaky strain in his vox is evident, it doesn't stop him or the band from pulling off a good-'un.
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