headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

8
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 27, 1982
Oakland Auditorium

Seek out the CM SBD (2d set only). This is a fine combo w/Brent & Jer driving Scarlet & Phil prominent in Fire. '82 was a sweet year for S>F!
7
The Other One
Oct. 12, 1977
Manor Downs

Another roaring out of the gate and sustained thereafter 01 that should not be ignored. '77 had its great share & this is one of 'em. Heavy on Phil!
9
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

While I prefer the 1977 BEWs overall this one is excellent for its speed & precision & Jerry nailing all the lyrics w/ gusto! Don't overlook this gem!
4
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

The overlooked European tour. Love Jer's voice for this song in '81.Hangs an extra vocal note or 2 on the chilly winds don't blow refrain. Great stuff
5
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

One of the earliest live versions ever and boy oh boy is Jerry into it. Belts out the lyrics. Quick tempo & a real joy to hear!
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Comments

Brown Eyed Women
Sept. 6, 1979
Madison Square Garden

Give it up for a super-fine '79. Jerry goes a few extra rounds in the bridge jam, sings like he's buying a round for the bar & nails the landing for Delilah Jones...nice under the radar version here worthy of some love.
Dark Star
Oct. 24, 1971
Easttown Theatre

Slow jazz beginning section, Phil driving everything up til first verse...minimal dissonance, mostly lovely spacey passages to follow...some early proto-type feeling groovy jamming and all sorts of interesting stuff leading into second verse and then a sweet segue into Bobby McGee. Great undervalued gem here...whole show has that vibe. I'm not usually too crazy about '71 but this show goes against that grain.
Deal
Oct. 24, 1971
Easttown Theatre

Maybe the best early version there is with a surprisingly lengthy first Garcia solo followed by a totally unexpected second break in between the final two verses, plus the whole thing is done at a relaxed, groovy, bluesy pace and A+ vocals from Jerry. As stated the Miller source is the one to get, it is crystal clear. There's always a place for the rip roaring end coda versions of the 80s but these early ones with their less hurried pacing are awesome in their own way. Easy up here (and a great Dark Star from this same show)
Eyes Of The World
Dec. 18, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

^^^^Summeraven has this just right about this being a compact version that sticks every landing. It's got the usual '73 flow and jazz chops in the jam sections and an absolutely rip snorting Phil-led outro jam, but if it stands out beyond the broken string interlude (and it does) it's because not a note is wasted and it makes for a unique entry into the great pantheon of '73 versions. I do know it should be at least in the 20s vote-wise.& as of this review it's at just a dozen.
I Need A Miracle
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

Yep, after rediscovering an all time Ramble I met up again with this picture perfect miracle and the harmonica sounds like it was always meant to be there. I never took the Darkstar>OtherOne>DS>WharfRat>Stephen out of rotation but the other tunes at this five star show need more love.
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