headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

56
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

The very definition of "underrated." Almost lost to time& yet it kills. No flubbed verses, great steady reggae jams;perfect transition. Please try it.
46
Ramble On Rose
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

Jerry sounds "just like Wolfman Jack" when he growwwlllzzz out the final chorus on "Goodbye Mama & Papa...!" Whole version is aces back to back!
45
It's All Over Now Baby Blue
Oct. 10, 1982
Frost Amphitheatre

Jerry in especially soulful voice on this completely perfecto version from one of the best shows of '82. If you like 4-6 Spectrum, you'll love this.
18
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

My favorite "sandwich" version, this PITB actually begins in the 2nd set as reprise from the previous night! Insane weaving thru UJB/Space/Dew
22
Samson and Delilah
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Goofy stage banter by Bob, then the rippingest, roaringest, best-drummed version I know.

Comments

Aiko Aiko
March 18, 1995
The Spectrum

A fair point, re: being there. I was not, and I'm just going by what I'm hearing here, but I do think that when recommending "best of" versions we should all make an effort to be as objective as possible. As an example, I posted the March '86 "Box" as a heady version but made sure to say that objectively speaking it's really not a great version at all, but being there, as I was, and the crowd reaction to the break-out, makes it worthy for only that reason. I am not doubting anyone who was there that seeing this must have been an awesome experience, but if you were to recommend a version of Iko to someone out of the blue as a "here's the best Iko you can find", there's no way if you're honest this version can qualify, and yet here it stands in first place. I guess that annoys me, but hey, differing opinions is part of what makes this site so much fun.
Aiko Aiko
March 18, 1995
The Spectrum

I don't know, folks. #1 slot? Seriously? Look, I'm not trying to be a contrarian & there's some stuff here to like, i.e. yes, Jerry's having fun & the vocals--for 1995 anyway--are OK. But what's really so great here? The jamming is pretty one note, never really hits any peaks, & look, I just can't stand the MIDI...it's like what a computer thinks a horn is supposed to sound like, and it completely covers up any personal tone of Jerry's guitar in favor of a synthesized, non-nuanced monotone of notes. I'm not saying this is a "worst ever" version by a long shot...it's OK compared w/some others, but if you want a fast. rocking, full-throated New Orleans type of version, why not check out any of the ones they did with the Neville Brothers? In fact, try 12/31/87 which is sitting currently at one sad little vote but kicks this version in the teeth just for fun. Some of the late 70's versions are also way better than this, even if they're of a slower tempo and maybe that's apples and oranges, but how about some of the early 80s versions that wind up slowly out of space and have a better groove than this version ever could. I wouldn't be ranting like this if this were somewhere in the middle of the pack on voting but #1? Just. Not. Worthy.
Althea
Sept. 25, 1981
Stabler Arena

From a great show that would be more talked about if a better source existed. Many strong Altheas in '81 (also see 5/1/81 and 3/14/81) and this one certainly fits the bill. This is a terrifically long show w/many great versions (S>F, Black Peter, Sugar Mag sandwich, Wheel).
Playin' In The Band
April 14, 1972
Tivolis Koncertsal

Quite possibly the best-ever KEITH version. seriously. His contributions here are every bit as stunning as Jerry's or anyone else. Starts with a lovely little section just after the first two verses and then as the jam breaks get more intense there's Keith driving the train out in front with repeated syncopated chords of glory, psychedelic and rockin' all at once in a steady determined jam. Great version, and one of Mr.Godchaux's finest moments.
The Other One
May 31, 1969
McArthur Court, University of Oregon

Glad you checked it out & dug it DarkStar67...hopefully your kudos will encourage "other ones" (sorry) to give it a try as well!