headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23517


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

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
Let It Grow
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

This is even a shade better than 5-14-78 at Providence which is also great but I think gets its higher ranking only b/c it's longer...and not by much...this one glides a little better to my ears and Donna blends so nicely with Bobby, and of course the jamming is rich and colorful throughout. Shoulda upped it long ago
Greatest Story Ever Told
Dec. 6, 1992
Knickerbocker Arena

Another winner from this way underappreciated late '92 humdinger of a show--the jam section in this one is a Jerry shred fest that also features some of Vince's best keyboard work and whatever Bobby had goin' on with his slash-fuzz-guitar sound at this show --he shouda done more of it...so good
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