headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.
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Comments

Eyes Of The World
Feb. 3, 1978
Dane County Coliseum

I've been undervaluing this one for too long. Jerry's intro is endless and powerful and the in-between verses jams are deep deep deep! Maybe a point off for Jer's vocals, which are pretty weak and tepid in this version, but the jamming more than makes up for it.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

@rchoover88 Oh, believe me--I have it! Couldn't wait to have and hear this show in HDCD and so psyched it's here. Liner notes describe this version as "lighter than air" or something and that's pretty spot-on. This version just flows like a river. And wait til you get to 5/13 in ChiTown. Different vibe but also amazing.
Cosmic Charlie
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

OK, where exactly has this version been hiding all this time? Vocally superior to any CC I've ever heard before. Sweet, mellow, beautifully played. Simply terrific little bridge jam in the middle before the coda featuring fluid Jerry and a gliding Keith (who also shines at the end). Spot-on choice and my new favorite.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Needed to bump this version after repeated recent listening of the DP release. SCORCHING jam section that loses nothing by omission of the feelin groovy jam...the intensity of the garcia riffs more than makes up for it, and the rendition of IKYR doesn't let up either. Exceptional reading of ChinaCat as well and very strong vocals from Jerry.
Dark Star
Feb. 26, 1973
Pershing Municipal Auditorium

The first 19 minutes of this Dark Star gets my vote as best, most musically gorgeous and "true jazz" version ever performed. Around the 11 minute mark Phil starts laying down a Miles Davis-like line that Bobby follows flawlessly and Jerry adds delicate touches to. Sadly, after the verse is sung at 19 minutes it denigrates into dissonant space-junk-scary-feedback ridiculousness (I realize this is blasphemy to many) and so I can't give it "best ever" status, but those first 19 minutes are so good I did add a vote to bump this one up the ladder.
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