headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23519


Submissions

11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
16
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.
14
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.
13
Brother Esau
Oct. 28, 1985
Fox Theater

Complete with kickin' cow bell, nice long intro, easily one of the best you'll find.
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Comments

Playin' In The Band
May 13, 1978
The Spectrum

Maybe it's because '78 is not known as a stand-out year for this tune, but just two votes w/mine added is puzzling! If you bypass this version--and show in general--you're missing out on a sleeper gem. Jerry does some "out of left field" riffing near the homestretch of this nicely stretched out jazz offering...w/some fittingly edgy attitude thrown in given the venue. Worth a listen or 2.
Let It Grow
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

^^^^ Much obliged
Let It Grow
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

What is everyone's favorite version of this show for best audio quality? (I usually go w/Jim Wise AUD but if there's something newer that sounds even better lemme know)
Loose Lucy
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

yeah not sure why this one doesn't get more love...halfway between the brisk readings of this period and the slower funk grease versions--w/an edge to the speedier side but also in control & w/some nice & boppy lines & Jer clearly having fun...he even (mostly) gets the words right. Better chorus background vox from donna than in many other versions from this time
The Other One
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

There's the ubiquitous '74 style dissonant space jam section, which to me is nowhere near the highlight, but there's also the sly reading of the prototype slipknot jam and beyond that an outstanding exploration over all sorts of jazz-infused musical landscapes. The rejoin to the main theme and verse gets intense and hard rock ensues but not at the expense of tone or rhythmic force. Excellent Other One gets my +1
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