headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

41
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
14
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!
19
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

As insanely good as the Wharf Rat that precedes it. How good? Almost matches 10/29/77 in intensity. Final jam section b4 SSDD will boggle your senses!
19
Franklin's Tower
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

One of the best played versions from one of the best played shows in the Brent era---ever.

Comments

Brown Eyed Women
June 4, 1978
Campus Stadium - University Of California

Only thing keeping this from legendary territory (and it's a big thing, sadly) is that Jerry completely train wrecks the "Deliliah Jones" verse immediately following his blistering, absolutely stunning guitar break. If his vocal flub at a key moment in the song is no deal breaker for you, that's fine, I totally understand. But for me I can't add a vote b/c it's like breaking up a perfect double play by botching the transfer at second. Too bad b/c the rest is A+ stuff.
Help on the Way
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

I've neglected this just because no Franklin's ever emerges but the Help here is just exactly perfect and the Slipknot! that follows is a mellow space jam of epic beauty. This whole show is a monster and if not for 12/31/78 would easily get my vote as best New Year's show ever but regardless it's chock full of amazing, inspired playing and this Help>Slipknot is a major part of the action. Such an underrated show despite its high profile date.
Eyes Of The World
July 14, 1990
Foxboro Stadium

Indeed overlooked among the many fine versions of the year. Probably due to no Hornsby or Marsalis but this is a version that can stand on its own. Sweet intro & delicate jazzy lines by Jerry throughout...first verse is actually belted out w/authority by the Captain before the chorus falls flat w/none of the mates backing up on melody (comments on source provided suggest Healy may have been up to his shenanigans silencing Bobby) until Brent steps in late to save Jer. But he rips up the jam & hits the 2nd verse hard as the first. Phil gets more involved near the end of the 2nd chorus & is highly visible during Jer's 2nd guitar break. Limited Midi to spoil the party here & you can settle back to hear Jer do his small jazz club thing to the rolling riffs in this huge football venue until he gets a little more ambitious toward the end of the jam into the final verse. This is a version that really can stand with the best of the year.
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

^^^^You captured the feel of that moment perfectly. I'm so glad you made it! I had a similar experience in that I had agreed to drive the half day it took to get to VA. from New Orleans w/a couple who were attending & wanted a third to split gas money with. They argued and fought the entire way plus it was like monsoon rain the whole time & white knuckle driving conditions & I wondered what the hell I was thinking in even going in the first place. Then that moment you described & it was all worth it times 1,000. I'll also never forget the sight of Dead Heads five rows deep in the outer concourse after the set ended waiting for pay phones (1986, remember!) just to call someone & yell down the line "Box of Rain!" before hanging up. I saw this repeated over & over & was laughing & hugging along with every person there who felt as lucky as I did to have seen & experienced this moment.
Bird Song
March 25, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena

Cgarces is spot on re: his Branford comment. This is a soaring version, far better than many other 90s era versions listed above. Plus Jer's voice isn't a complete croak-fest like in many other 90s renditions. Mid jam is just a tapestry of color and sound and ideas. I'm a MIDI hater & even tho' it does make an appearance here it's not too intrusive & not much different than what you hear on the Without A Net version everyone seems to love so much more. Drums kick in nicely too. No reason for this version to be under double digits, folks.