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

Brown Eyed Women
Dec. 27, 1977
Winterland Arena

Listening to this one again and some things: it really might be best ever; if not it's Top 5 all time and the six votes it has now makes a mockery of what we're supposed to be doing here; there's no doubt in my mind this kicks Barton to the curb.
Jack A Roe
March 27, 1994
Nassau Coliseum

I don't normally care for this tune post 1977, really preferring the old style Mark Knopfler-ish slow cadence, slinky approach so perfectly captured by 5/17/77 on the "Phil Zone" release, but this fast-picking version with Jerry doing the acoustic/electric thing and nailing all the lyrics deserves the upvote. This whole show as cgarces has pointed out is chock full of surprisingly grand renditions especially given the year. The Dew from this show gets all the accolades but there's a lot more to like here, and this Roe is one of the gems.
Big River
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

Fully agree, about this version and this show overall. One of the top five in 1982. Check out the Scarlet>Fire after you're done grooving you this BR.
Wharf Rat
July 18, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Yes! The intro to this is other-worldly and melancholy and beautiful. This song may have been perfected in '77 but the origins of that perfection are found in '76. This is spectacular,
Me and Bobby McGee
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

This is my favorite version. So gentle and honest, flowing beautifully out of space from HCS
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