headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

34
Dupree's Diamond Blues
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

Outstanding version with a nice Jerry-led jam early in the tune, after the first verse.
8
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 15, 1978
Sphinx Theatre

Almost criminal this isn't here yet. Grab the Egypt '78 CD & hear one of the loveliest "Eyes" ever. Jazzy, intricate, sweet, & inspired!
13
Loser
Oct. 14, 1977
Hofheinz Pavilion

Possibly the most underrated version of all time with an absolute MONSTER jam by Jerry. Must listen!
8
Looks Like Rain
March 24, 1988
Omni Coliseum

Listen closely: I HATE THIS SONG. Always have. So when I say this is killer it means a lot; & fans of this song tell me it's legendary.
18
Row Jimmy
May 3, 1977
The Palladium

After 3/20/77 and 4/12/78 this may be the best RJ ever. Check out the Miller version that fills in a tape-flip gap & revel in more Garcia magic.
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Comments

Stagger Lee
Sept. 16, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Yep. Well chosen by Latvala. This one does have a lengthy and juicy outro.
Aiko Aiko
Sept. 16, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Shoulda upped this ages ago. Lots of crescent city swagger and one of the few times the MIDI does some good (the aforementioned Jerry trumpet sound works here). Long, jammy, very danceable top notch version.
Shakedown Street
April 16, 1984
Community War Memorial Auditorium

I'd suggest the Miiller SBD, a very fine source for a grossly underrated show. Love this Shake for the sheer goofy funk it delivers...the goofy part is the final vocal join in and dang if they ain't all hamming it up and having a grand time doing it. Jerry slays his solos and Bobby works double time keeping the faster paced rhythm. More I hear from this show the more I like.
Deal
Sept. 16, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Spun ths recently and realized that because this show has so many highlights I'd overlooked this killer Deal. Multiple peaks and a great blending of the Hornsby sound to put an exclamation point on the end of set one. Must have been a lot of stunned, super wide smiles of awe when the lights came up. (Best Iko of the 90s at this show too)
Bird Song
Sept. 6, 1991
Richfield Coliseum

Spectacular jam section, as in truly amazing and dramatic...not even the MIDI can detract from it...upping it on the basis of that (being the lion's share of the song) but I also have to note that Jerry's vocals are horrendous here. You kind of have to ignore the fact that he can't hit a single note and it's objectively awful. That said, the jam is what this version is about and it's all that's advertised here and more.
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