headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

130
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
18
Aiko Aiko
Aug. 10, 1982
Iowa Fieldhouse - University of Iowa

Another kick-ass version out of Space...not as long&rising a wind-up as the 9-14-82 tripiness), but raucous, fun & full of N'awlins cajun rock!
36
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Powerhouse. Garcia belts out vocals. Hear amazing riff of added notes in the main theme instrumental sections.Drums pound away as well.
7
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 29, 1979
Cleveland Public Hall

Jerry commits strong vocals to this rendition--he's into it big time...& Brent adds great accompaniment. Very strong Garcia bridge jam as well.
118
Cumberland Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They could actually hit the high notes in '72, and the jams? Goodness gracious--this one just rips a hole in the space/time continuum!

Comments

Dark Star
Oct. 20, 1968
Greek Theatre - University of California

Been digging into the "short" Dark Stars recently* for the peppy/trippy late 60'svibe, concise but fluid & exciting jam sections...this is one of my favorites from that category. * Kinda like making sure not to neglect fine versions of "Deal" from '72-'74 or '77-'78...not monsters of coda fanning jamming that would come in the 80s, but still gems in their own right.
Franklin's Tower
Jan. 30, 1978
Uptown Theater

This version has a spectacular, relaxed, perfect tempo 2 minute open, and a great strong finish with lots of fanning....unfortunately it sags in the middle like Homer Simpson in a hammock, with a lot of boring meandering noodling, Jerry forgetting the lyrics, and the band just sleepwalking along, which is too bad because this could have made for an epic Jerry triple play of Eyes>Stella>Franklins. I can’t upvote this based on just a strong start and nice finish, though. This is a good sleeper show overall but it could have been a lot better with a stronger Franklins here.
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
Jan. 30, 1978
Uptown Theater

Rip roarer...this whole show could use more ears on it
That Would Be Something
April 5, 1995
Jefferson Civic Center Coliseum

Must agree. What this one has that others (inc. the top slotted BG version) don't is a more emphatic Jerry vocal, which, for a song that essentially had only two lines of lyrics, is pretty important. Well played musically and probably the best version out there, certainly more energetic than the version from DP.
Row Jimmy
Feb. 17, 1973
St. Paul Auditorium

Lost version here. Shares much in common with the gems of 2/15/73 & the Nebraska DP version. So true about the unfortunate cut.