headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

14
Big Railroad Blues
May 11, 1972
Rotterdam Civic Hall

So rippin' good. Get your Jerry on.
28
Deep Elem Blues
April 5, 1982
The Spectrum

For a stellar electric version check out this one from Philly. Also included as filler material for Road Trips Vol. 4 No. 4
8
El Paso
May 10, 1972
Concertgebouw

Bobby's vocals are especially sweet & heartfelt in this one & Jerry adds some tasty southwestern-style licks. Very smooth.
15
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 28, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Interesting & under the radar version-sweet & mellow w/a relaxed intro & then usual great '77 exploration jamming--but more lovely than intense
12
Not Fade Away
April 3, 1982
The Scope

Check the new "Seaweed" SBD of this version...KILLER out of space... full 3 mins+ of pickin' Jammin' and Bobby rythms & Brent's sweeping flourishes!
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Comments

Dark Star
April 8, 1971
Boston Music Hall

I love Dark Stars like this. Straight shot jam with no deviation into "silly space" feedback noise and some fine ideas throughout. There are a couple of off notes but they're barely noticeable in the overall scheme, and thanks to Darkstar67 for providing link to the best course for sure of those offered,
When Push Comes to Shove
Dec. 31, 1986
Kaiser Convention Center

Did you know that this song could be good? Like, really, REALLY good? Neither did I until I checked out this version. Killer mid tune solo and Jerry nails the vox. Let these little baby tigers punch you in the ear if you don't believe!
Sugaree
Dec. 31, 1986
Kaiser Convention Center

Excellent recommendation. Surprised given the year how well put together this is. Jam into last verse as good as advertised and best of all...and REALLY surprising...is Jerry's excellent vox. Ups easy.
Shakedown Street
Sept. 16, 1978
Sphinx Theatre

Delicious disco Dead in the desert. This version is crazy groovy and disco-infused in a good way and while it's lacking the 3rd verse and the coda the jams in between are incredible. (In particular after the 2nd verse, what would be the "middle jam" had they sung the 3rd verse is incredibly funky and turn on a dime tight. These shows never got the respect they deserved.
Cosmic Charlie
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

The ones just above this one (6/19/76 and below ((7/16/76) are my two go-to's. I really think '76 was the best (Marybe only) year for this tune. The early versions feel too raw to me and the song isn't given a chance to really breathe. I like the quieter spacey stretch feel of the 76 versions and Donna actually sounds great.
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