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.
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Comments

Estimated Prophet
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

I'll up it just because I agree that the Mosque version shouldn't be above it on the list. But there's more than a few of these kinds of head-scratchers around here...i.e. the #1 Terrapin being from the Swing, the always controversial Barton Hall Scarlet>Fire blowing away all competition (and, far more ridiculous--Copps 1990 firmly in 2nd place), and as for Estimated...why not try 10/29/77 and see why that one is only in the single digits on the vote counter?
Good Lovin'
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Never been a fan of the extended half hour versions w/Pig rapping about stuff...I realize that's blasphemy to some...but I prefer this tight, sweet version w/a cool drum break followed by a rippin good jam and then they're done. Just right, and Pig is spot on leading up to it all.
Dire Wolf
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Weird is exactly the right word, but also wonderful. This sounds so different than any DW I've ever heard, probably due to TC's organ but there's also just a super-countrified loping rhythm to this version that's unlike any other...what gets it my Upvote is Jerry's truly gorgeous vocals.
Terrapin Station
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

Could go through this show song by song and upvote every one, but yeah, this Terrapin shoulda oughta been here already.
Bird Song
Oct. 2, 1972
Springfield Civic Center

Oh, man. What is this doing mired near the bottom of the list? Listen to Jerry's first foray right after the opening verses. No holds barred here...just off the charts shredding and yet Keith somehow manages to get his keys in edgewise to mellow things out after the frontal assault. Then everyone is in on the action to drive the bus down a winding road of deep jamming excellence. I know there's a lot of great Birdsongs out there and many are well represented high on this list, but here's one that's been inexplicably overlooked and needs to climb the ladder.
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