headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.
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Comments

Bertha
March 27, 1993
Knickerbocker Arena

Not bad for a '93. Pretty good overall in fact, mellowish version, but tight.
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Even though I submitted this one I agree with Donnie--it does NOT deserve to be #1 on this list. It's good, but not #1 good. The one I actually think belongs in the number one slot is another I submitted further down on this list: 10/12/83 at MSG, which I have no problem calling the best--being most powerful both vocally and in terms of raw instrumental gusto.
Sugaree
April 7, 1991
Orlando Arena

Never thought I'd find a Sugaree this good in 1991. Great jamming in between verses (nothing that rivals the monster '77 jams but excellent nonetheless especially for this era) and more varied contributions from the rest of the gang to fill out the edges. Great vocals from Jerry as well and no lyrical flubs, again perhaps a bit surprising given the year.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Aug. 13, 1975
Great American Music Hall

Yes, this needs more ups. It's uber rock n roll Jerry & the only reason I hadn't bumped it before is because I unfairly rate every version against the numero supremo (IMO) of 6/8/77 and while this doesn't rise to that level it's still damn good. +1
Eyes Of The World
Nov. 25, 1973
Feyline Field

Yeah, I'm jumping on board with this one, too. I've always loved this show but took it for granted that this EYES would already be widespread and known and seeing it still in the single digits made me realize I had to vote up. Great lengthy jazzy Jerry runs in between verses and some great workout of the outro material, and melding straight into WX Report. This is a great version even in a year chock full of them.
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