headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.
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Comments

It Must Have Been The Roses
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

This is how I actually like Roses to be played. The faster, more countrified tempo works better to me than the more drawn out ballad this song would become in later years...beautiful as many of those were. Jerry's vocals are also great in this one and the song loses none of its melancholy longing for the faster and crisper clip at which it's played.
Cold Rain and Snow
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Jumps right into a fine Big River as well. Great eclectic not-your-typical set list for this show, esp. 2d set.
Cassidy
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Digging this whole show now. Love the drums in these chill '76 versions. The big jams that would come in later years are absent but especially with the incredibly clear Miller source available you hear how brilliantly Mickey and Billy fill the gaps and propel the song forward.
Franklin's Tower
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Franklin's out of Drums is nuts & there's a great Eyes-like mellow and long intro to this one & for those who like stretchy Franklin's this one clocks in around 16 mins. As noted, though, Jerry can't get out of his own way with the lyrics and just repeats a bunch of verses. For me it's just too sloppy for an upvote, but that said it should be checked out for some inspired jam sections and its unique set placement. You may feel it's worthy of some more votes and I wouldn't really put up much fight on that front.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Nov. 18, 1978
Uptown Theatre

Underdog. Hidden gem. Single digit sleeper. This is the musical equivalent of finding a great hole in the wall cafe that only the locals know about. Easy to miss, but so worth checking out.
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