headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

5
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

One of the earliest live versions ever and boy oh boy is Jerry into it. Belts out the lyrics. Quick tempo & a real joy to hear!
14
Hey Pocky Way
March 28, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

Weird how little folks seem to care at all about this tune. I love it & Brent does the Neville Bros. proud w/this version--as good as it gets.
5
Eyes Of The World
May 5, 1978
Thompson Arena - Dartmouth College

First there were only AUDs available, but now that a sweet CM SBD is up you oughta check out this sweet '78!
18
Bertha
Oct. 22, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Rippingly good early version with Keith way out front. Jerry and the whole crew rock it hard!
3
Row Jimmy
Oct. 28, 1985
Fox Theater

Great cadence to this one and some cool reverb effects lend a trippy mesmerizing feel to this fine entry from the Fox. Get the CM SBD source.
show more submissions

Comments

The Music Never Stopped
Dec. 27, 1978
Golden Hall, Community Concourse

Blazing end coda, honestly one of the best I've ever heard. Before Jerry hits the second turn on a dime entry into the shift for the finale finale he and the rest of the band are doing a jam that sounds unique compared with almost any other rendition I can think of. Too bad there's not a perfect board but as stated above the Darst SBD does a pretty good job. Oughta be higher, really.
Row Jimmy
May 20, 1973
U.C.

Love the slightly more uptempo early versions (nothing tops 2/28/73 in that regard) along with a real country twang, both evident in this version. The jamming in between verses can't rival the best of '77-'78 but it's still quite sweet and Jerry sings this one nicely. Should get some love.
Big River
Nov. 25, 1979
Pauly Pavillion

Have a theory that this song was played so often people forget how damn great its played virtually every time. But even with a great selection of eras to choose from this '79 (from a generally overlooked show) shines brightly. Check out the nice, relaxed, lower register intro, followed by top notch individual jam sections (half a point off for Brent's tinkly Fisher Price keys, but he plays his section beautifully) & Garcia just does his thing in the final jam slot, taking no prisoners. Easy +1
Uncle John's Band
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

outstanding in every conceivable way, from the "start at the end" intro to the meat of the jam and an outro that melts flawlessly into a lovely China Doll, this is a version that can get overlooked for almost being hidden amid this exquisite second set, but deserves to be in the top 5 if not top 3 all time.
When I Paint My Masterpiece
April 3, 1990
The Omni

Agreed! This is a more mature and better rendition than most. Whole show is a nice find.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)