headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

23
Jack Straw
May 10, 1978
Veterans' Memorial Coliseum

From DP 25, Opens show at New Haven. Takes no prisoners. Extra shot of Jerry heading in bridge jam. Kinda surprised it's not on a list of 90+ Straws
7
Samson and Delilah
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Shame on me for not submitting this earlier. Insane ripper to open 2nd set; Phil OWNS this version. Pause for nothing-- Listen NOW. Thank me l8r ;-)
30
Not Fade Away
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

Latvala from "Grate" Beyond reminds of his Winterland pick: The Best. Jer rips holes in Universe; Drummers pummel; Listen to "drive me BACK" line!
7
Samson and Delilah
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

Possibly best-ever of the Brent era. Bob preaches fire & brimstone and Jerry shreds the living daylights out of every jam. Serious MUST listen version
20
Shakedown Street
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

A funk-laden but more laid-back, groovier vibe marks this excellent entry from Chicago. Notable for A+ vocals & harmonies and Bobby shines in end jam!
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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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