headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23519


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.

Comments

Scarlet Begonias
March 16, 1990
Capital Centre

it really is...super rare late era non-Fire pairing but a real winner
Althea
May 12, 1981
Veterans' Memorial Coliseum

Sleeper sensation...Jerry kicks it into overdrive on the closing jam
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Late to the game on this hidden gem...sensational transition jam with Garcia finding new avenues on a familiar street just blazing into the final run up and the energy doesn't flag into Rider...show itself stands in the shadows of the MSG run just b4 it but don't deprive yourself of a stellar combo from this Hartford show
Estimated Prophet
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

^^^^Yes, of course! More "fools" are always welcome in my administration ;-)
Loser
March 24, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena

^^^^All true, and this version needs no excuses for its spot on the board... breathtaking Garcia solo, gruff vox growl perfectly fitting the tune, the whole band in lock step...there are other underrated versions out there but to say this is overrated is silly. For a similar version to this one (not quite on the same level but damn close) check out Ventura 7/22/84