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

Row Jimmy
July 25, 1974
International Amphitheater

Best Row Jimmy of 1974 and also the best version period pre-1977 (see 3/20/77 and 4/12/78). Jerry vocals are picture perfect and Donna does not get in the way at all. The mid-verse jams are beautiful with gentle and then rising solos supported by a perfect pace and rhythm. Finishes with a strong, gorgeous chorus. Exceptional version needing FAR more many votes than it has now.
St. Stephen
June 24, 1970
Capitol Theatre

@chrisp Regarding 10/29/77 being the king of latter day versions: spot on! More attention needs to be paid...
The Other One
March 31, 1973
War Memorial

Didn't realize until giving it a second listen how nice this is. I mean "nice" literally. This is not an overly aggressive or crazy spacey Other One, but instead a quite jazzy, contemplative and nicely flowing version that melts beautifully into its cameo appearance components with equal grace: a controlled and very pretty Spanish Jam and a Feelin' Groovy Jam that just kinda starts on its own outta nowhere and then kicks into a nice Rider. Deserves higher ranking for these reasons and for the obscurity of these pieces all coming together within TOO.
Beat it on Down The Line
April 26, 1971
Fillmore East

Duane sounds fantastic on this.
Hard to Handle
April 26, 1971
Fillmore East

First time hearing this one and dare I say it--best ever? Even better than 8/6/71? OK, maybe not "better", but in the same conversation for sure. Longer jam sections in this one...it's a beaut.