headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

19
Althea
Sept. 9, 1982
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Incredible. Check out Brent's fills during the epic post-lyrics outro. A must-listen top tier Althea w/bounce, power, & panache!
17
Deal
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

Apparently no one is aware that a fellow named Keith played in this band or this version would have 50 votes already. Needs to be heard!
1
Pretty Peggy O
Sept. 4, 1980
Providence Civic Center

Outside of 1977 this may be the best version I've heard. A+ vocals from Jerry, killer mid-solo; slightly faster tempo. Must hear. Gr8 Matrix!
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Bob's lyric phrasing on this version is unique. He sings it in a way so different than any I've heard before & it's inventive & super-fun. Must hear!
7
Greatest Story Ever Told
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Best of the 80's or 90's, hands down. Picture perfect rendition: Vocals, jam fills, & finish.
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Comments

Stella Blue
Sept. 2, 1979
Augusta Civic Center

Folks who like '79 Terrapins should give a listen to this Stella, given the same mellow, poignant, well-played treatment. Sweet version from a greatly underrated show
Eyes Of The World
March 20, 1991
Capital Centre

One of the best intros of the 90s versions, a 2 1/2 minute grooved out extravaganza that sets the tone for as jazzy and entry as you'll find outside of a Marsalis appearance. This is one of the finest "Eyes" of the latter day Dead, a top 5-er for sure, I'd have no problem grouping this one in with 3/25/90, 3/31/91, the opener at Giants Stadium (it's actually better) and 3/29/90. One thing I'm sure of--it deserves WAY more listens and a higher ranking.
The Eleven
April 27, 1969
Labor Temple

+1 just for the way it emerges flawlessly from the Other One & glides back in for the reprise. Everything in between is amazing as well & Jerry is doing liquid leads especially after the verse. Gold standard stuff.
Dark Star
April 27, 1969
Labor Temple

Grunge rock Dark Star. Jerry never stops playing his fuzzed-out acid drenched chops off in this one, unique among Stars I've heard from this era that almost always feature floaty, deep-space, twinkling Mickey-gong segments, but this puppy never stops romping all over the space provided, with the rest of the band adding the out-of-earth flourishes as Jerry just cranks his guitar and lets his fingers fly. Worth grabbing the official DP26 release for best sound quality. Exceptional DS'69 here.
The Other One
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

So much going on in this way way way underrated version--including a subtle butr quite distinct "Let It Grow" jam dropped in the midst of things. I'm on a mission to get this at least into double digits. Check out this monster version...spacey, multiple Jerry runs, peaks. great rumbling Phil intro, and the killer "Let It Grow" phrasing...get on this, folks.
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