headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic
12
Brown Eyed Women
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Gotta check out the "small" songs in legendary shows like this as well as the usual suspects! Check out Jerry's utterly perfect bridge jam & be in awe
22
Bird Song
Sept. 22, 1993
Madison Square Garden

If you don't know Saxophonist David Murray, here's a good way to find out how great he is. This is one stellar Birdsong that flew under the radar here
19
They Love Each Other
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Is there anything prettier, sweeter or more sublimely lovely than Keith's piano in this version? You decide. This TLEO is incredible.
56
Sugaree
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

New #1 favorite. Slightly more compact than other amazing '77 versions & so a bit more focused. 2d Garcia solo has no equal.

Comments

Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 21, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Went right to this after seeing the enthusiastic exchange above and was not disappointed. Early Keith showing off his chops. Plus I discovered an equally great Ramble on Rose at this show too.
Jack Straw
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

It's a wonderful version, but I'm not giving it an upvote b/c it's already in 2nd place and sorry, uh-uh, NO WAY,--as wonderful as this version is for its delicate Keith piano playing and nice vocals--NO WAY is it better than any version from '77 on in which they extend the jam and charge into the final verse with emotion, power and precision. Just doesn't even come close. There are plenty of versions under this one on the list that provide all the precision playing and interplay rightly pointed out as being present in this one, but that also have the excitement of THE JAM heading into "Witchita" that this one--and any version pre-'77--simply lacks. Virtually any version on this list directly below this one blows it away...and some should even be much much higher (10/29/77, 6/4/78, 5/10/78) all tear this one to shreds (and those are just the ones I suggested and am shamelessly plugging now; there are plenty others that others have suggested that are equally as good--except for 10/29/77, which is the best ;-) & the one thing they all have in common is that they exceed and should be higher than this fine version (best of '72) but that's all it is--best from a year in which this song hadn't yet reached its full potential.
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 16, 1974
Winterland Arena

I've come around on this one. Long, spacey (in a good way) and gooey. Contemplative, mellow, but never boring. Elements of 6/22/73 but at least from the GD soundtrack a much cleaner version than Vancouver. This one is also great for repeat listening because you'll pick up something different each time.
Row Jimmy
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

^^^^ Agree completely that it can't touch those two you mentioned...the gold & silver medal winners of all time, but it's far better than a lot of other RJ's on this list. I just think it should be much higher as a result. No surprise given the date...the Winterland run to end the year was pretty spectacular & this version doesn't derail that at all. Thanks for giving it a listen, if not an upvote. I'm still going to make the case, though...
Row Jimmy
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Gonna really start annoying people by posting about this amazing version until somebody gives it a damn listen! It canNOT sit around with two votes. Just can't.