headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24544


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect

Comments

Jack Straw
May 21, 1977
Lakeland Civic Center

Can't believe I hadn't voted for this yet. new listening to the DP blew my socks off and may have this one getting into my top 3 favorite all time (with 10/29/77 & 6/4/78) due to the unique Garcia soloing that sounds more stretched out than others (I don't mean length of the jam leading into final verse, but the way Garcia lets his solo drive that jam into more of a weaving exploration than the usual power chord jamming we come to expect). It's not "spacey" weaving, it's supercharged for sure, almost like a '77-ish version of late 60's jamming on a tune like the 11). This is just a fantastic version that could be way higher on the ladder.
Loser
June 28, 1995
The Palace

So it's heady why exactly? (Final time played doesn't cut it)
Not Fade Away
Oct. 1, 1977
Paramount Theatre

As noted this whole show is given the Rodney Dangerfield for no good reason. Strong '77 NFA here and it's true that the MNS from this show gets deep into "best of" territory.
Eyes Of The World
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

DeadProf is right in describing this gem as "delicate" but that shouldn't be construed to mean lacking in jam. This is a precise, delicate, and very focused version very typical of May '77 itself, but repeated listening brings out the nuances in this rendition, and it's well worth the journey. Much like my all time favorite version of 10/29/77 this one takes the time to breathe in the intro, gently exploring the terrain before getting into the heart of the song. Jerry's in total command of this version without really ever "going off" yet there is so much richness in his winding, jazzy reading that you don't ever feel a lack of energy. And yes, the melt into Wharf Rat emerges like it was written in the stars. One of the top DP releases of all time from just another spellbinding show from May of '77.
Stella Blue
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

From the show that just missed the boxed set release (5/11-5/17) yet is arguably as good if not better than any of those shows (probably falls second only to 5/17). This Stella is a moody, true ballad beast...not for anyone lacking patience, this takes demanded, active listening to appreciate and yeah, the solo work by Jerry is the pay-off. There's also a killer Lazy Lightning>Supplication from this show with many other big highlights.