headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

14
Big Railroad Blues
May 11, 1972
Rotterdam Civic Hall

So rippin' good. Get your Jerry on.
28
Deep Elem Blues
April 5, 1982
The Spectrum

For a stellar electric version check out this one from Philly. Also included as filler material for Road Trips Vol. 4 No. 4
8
El Paso
May 10, 1972
Concertgebouw

Bobby's vocals are especially sweet & heartfelt in this one & Jerry adds some tasty southwestern-style licks. Very smooth.
15
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 28, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Interesting & under the radar version-sweet & mellow w/a relaxed intro & then usual great '77 exploration jamming--but more lovely than intense
12
Not Fade Away
April 3, 1982
The Scope

Check the new "Seaweed" SBD of this version...KILLER out of space... full 3 mins+ of pickin' Jammin' and Bobby rythms & Brent's sweeping flourishes!
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Comments

Jack Straw
June 10, 1990
Cal Expo

Needs a bump for certain. There are a ridiculous number of super-hit versions of this song. They performed it well in every era (though the extended jam portion/touchdown didn't really take off until 1977), but this version is so good it belongs in any "Top 10" discussion. I'll still rank several higher (such as 10/29/77, 6/4/78, 4/6/87, and 12/29/77 to name just a few, but I'd never rank this version anywhere below #10 all time.)
China Doll
Oct. 23, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

This to me beats every electric version and really brings out the true essence of the song. It's never sounded more beautiful or haunting. Also love the crowd reaction after the "Take up your China Doll..." chorus.
Pretty Peggy O
May 5, 1977
New Haven Coliseum

Has one of the best mid-song jams ever performed in this tune There are a couple others I like a tad better overall (12/27/77, 5/19/77), but this is easily a top-tier version that also gets my vote.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 5, 1977
New Haven Coliseum

My guess is that there are so many incredible S>F combos in May '77 that equally worthy entries like this one just get over- looked. This whole show cooks (check out the Peggy-O), and this combo is up there w/any of the best from this golden month/year.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 9, 1981
Activity Center - University of Colorado

Not only is this version sick, it is sickeningly underrated here. The transition jamming is furious and the "Rider" may actually be better than the "China", which is extremely rare indeed. PLUS you get the added fun of Bobby actually saying "Here comes the breakdown, ladies and gentlemen" during the acapella coda section at the end. If this isn't the best China>Rider of 1981 I don't know what is (yes, it's better than MSG from March), and it stands as one of the best post 70's versions ever played. So many more votes needed here. For real.
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