headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
16
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
14
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.
13
Brother Esau
Oct. 28, 1985
Fox Theater

Complete with kickin' cow bell, nice long intro, easily one of the best you'll find.
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Comments

He's Gone
Oct. 19, 1974
Winterland Arena

double digits already please. Neglected I can only guess b/c of so many excellent versions in the '72-'74 era but this needs to be heard some more.
Morning Dew
Oct. 18, 1974
Winterland Arena

Whew. Move over Barton, & if not for the pure raw emotional old man Jerry voice power of 10/12//84 this would easily be my favorite. Technically speaking, this one is really the best. Jerry never sang it more beautifully, & unlike nearly every great version I can think of, the best guitar moment here is not in the big final coda, but in the jam following the "young man" section, a perfect blend of power & purpose & passion. What an amazing Dew. Again, if not for the raw emotional tsunami of 10/12/84 this would be my hands down favorite.
Black Throated Wind
June 23, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

Adding to the accolades for this excellent rendition w/Billy the true star as many have pointed out. This sounds better than ever as a DaP
Shakedown Street
March 18, 1990
Civic Center

total sleeper pick here, one of the best of the 90s for sure with ripping riffs & back up vox from Brent & great voice from Jerry as well. Faster paced jam again anchored by Brent. Really nice choice & surprisingly under the radar based on the mere 10 votes when I added mine.
Estimated Prophet
May 5, 1978
Thompson Arena - Dartmouth College

Get outta here that Garcia solo into the first jam break. This whole show is bonkers good & gets somehow overlooked but nothing in it is more under-appreciated than this stupendous EP. Better than many others currently sitting above.
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