headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

51
Bertha
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Sweet bass drop-ins by Phil on intro; extended Garcia solos in bridge jam; very intense and fun
49
Jack Straw
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

There are longer versions, but none has a better bridge jam than this one. My favorite version ever--must listen!
88
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 24, 1974
Winterland Arena

Hard-charging drumming from Billy leads the way. Best MLB jam in this pairing I've ever heard. Hard to believe it wasn't listed yet.
37
Cassidy
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Intense build-up jam, perfect touch-down. Weir absolutely nails it. My favorite version all-time
21
Shakedown Street
Jan. 10, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Laser-focused, perfect rendition, start to finish. Super-funky with awesome Jerry fuzz-guitar, rock-blues jamming post-vocals
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Comments

Terrapin Station
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

One of those shows where nearly every song could get an upvote. Just pushed this one into double digits but it should be way higher. Flowing, flawless rendition with excellent Jerry vocals.
Not Fade Away
March 18, 1977
Winterland Arena

I think this show --a hiding in plain sight blazer-/is going to get a lot more deserved attention now that the Seamons matrix is on the scene. It really does bring out the pop in this show and this NFA is among the great rollicking versions of 1977, with a long groovealicious intro that picks up steam and funk as it progresses. Easy +1
Dire Wolf
Oct. 19, 1974
Winterland Arena

Slowed down, grooved up, excellent rendition. I hear more of the Mission influence than Fingers but either way it's lovely stuff from Garcia. These Winterland shows are my favorite from '74 along with the September France performance.
Sugaree
April 12, 1982
Nassau Coliseum

Was gonna give it just a sentimental nod since I was at this show but in giving it another listen it's quite worthy of an upvote. Rarely did they ever play a poor show at the old Mausoleum. EDIT: listen to Darkstar67 and grab that source he listed.
Playin' In The Band
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Agree fully that some of these E72 versions, while not as marathon in length as later ones, pack every bit as much raw power, energy and finesse and sometimes even surpass their longer counterparts. This may be the very best of the tour, neck and neck perhaps with 5/11/72. Either way, you're listening to HOF stuff right here.
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