headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23519


Submissions

64
Let It Grow
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

Lightning quick yet totally on-track riffs from Jerry; intense, powerful version. Weir 100% into it. Segues into killer Deal. Trust me. Must hear.
50
Tennessee Jed
Oct. 10, 1982
Frost Amphitheatre

Perfect wind up, pitch & strike down the middle. I've yet to hear a better one, though I'll try some of the recs here. Til then.....
27
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
June 8, 1977
Winterland Arena

From one of the greatest shows ever, a bring the house down killer. Keith w/perfect piano exc. point!
40
Althea
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

Perfect groove and massive push from Phil post-lyrics
42
Estimated Prophet
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

From the famous "ravenspace" show; the only version in which the main theme is reprised+lots of Bob yelling

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 16, 1989
The Mecca

Such a groovy '89 rendition-not sure why it isn't much higher on the board. Brent shines especially in Fire with some great creative fills & Garcia doesn't miss a lyric. Sleeper pick here.
West L.A. Fadeaway
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Best early incarnation version I've ever heard--hands down. Would rank it overall only behind Alpine '89 and maybe Copps '90--maybe.
Althea
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Realizing "this is too low" comments are ubiquitous up and down the board but some of them are actually understatements--hoping you'll take the time to listen to this version & rank this among them. Garcia's in full control on this one--every lyric nailed, the solos are spellbinding and it's played at perfect tempo--a bit faster than the early 80s versions but not too fast--allowing plenty of funky accents in the bridge jamming--and Bobby's rhythm is sublime. Such a great great underrated version right here at less than 10 votes when I decided to pipe up about it.
Candyman
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Why are we not talking about and up-voting this spectacular version? Just listen to Jerry's vocal commitment in the opening verse -- "Come all you pretty womenzzzz..." & later when the whiskey gets passed around he's all over it with a beaut of a guitar solo as well. Oughta be much higher
Ship of Fools
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Ridiculously ignored version with a fully engaged Garcia vocal, great Donna harmonies, and beautiful playing throughout. Crazy this doesn't have more votes.