headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

41
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
14
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!
19
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

As insanely good as the Wharf Rat that precedes it. How good? Almost matches 10/29/77 in intensity. Final jam section b4 SSDD will boggle your senses!
19
Franklin's Tower
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

One of the best played versions from one of the best played shows in the Brent era---ever.
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Comments

Althea
March 21, 1981
Rainbow Theatre

so much higher this should be on the board. Great slinky groove & the whole band--not just Garcia--rocks the house on the outro. '81 Altheas rule--this needs to move on up!
Uncle John's Band
June 30, 1974
Civic Center

Best kept UJB secret of 1974 right here. Come for the tiny snippet of Slipknot jam but stay for the beautifully sung, flowing, relaxed, jammed-out magnificence of a version that emerges from the chaos of a raucous PITB meltdown and back into a sweet reprise. This whole show is an under the radar masterpiece
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 26, 1973
Kezar Stadium

This version has the X factor, the little twists and turns that set it apart from its many great counterparts of the year and era. As many have said here the shorter Feelin' Groovy Jam really works in the less is more sense but mostly it's the relaxed, confident tone Jerry takes on his turns and Bob's really outstanding counter rhythms that make this one shine. Sounds even better with new boxed set clean ups...deserves to move up the ladder.
Althea
Feb. 26, 1981
Uptown Theater

Great end jam & if you don't get bothered by Garcia lyrical miscues, go ahead and upvote. But the mumblecore thing keeps me from sending this one up the ladder. Too bad b/c Jer does shed the end jam...it's just that there are many other versions (5/1/81 just for starters) where he does the same but doesn't butcher the words.
Let It Grow
Dec. 5, 1981
Market Square Arena

If you've heard the masterful 5/1/81 version & loved it you'll fall head over heels for this one, too...just about its equal and that's saying something. Garcia is lightning on this but in total control and the rest of the band is just in heavy beast mode, letting up on the throttle only to ease seamlessly into the two quiet drifting sections like a feather on a gentle breeze. Superior rendition.
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