headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

28
Playin' In The Band
May 11, 1972
Rotterdam Civic Hall

Sometimes shorter is better. At around 10 mins. this beauty from E'72 packs the jazz, jam, passion. Like a more intense version of the one on ACE!
26
Scarlet Begonias
Oct. 3, 1976
Cobo Arena

No clean SBD on archive but at official Dead site a pristine version was on 30 days of Dead for DL. 2d best stand-alone I've heard next to 3-20-77
66
Pretty Peggy O
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

DP Vol. 29...Each time I think I've heard the best (i.e. 12/27/77) I hear one better. This is it. Flowing, gorgeous Jerry bridge jam. Perfection.
4
Don't Ease Me In
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Proves the boys could really swing when they wanted to. Hear Jerry on "The Girl I Love" line; like 'Gator Alley--1980 a good year for this tune
32
Not Fade Away
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Insane. Ridiculous. Drummers locked in, Garcia in take-no-prisoners mode. 16+ minutes of full-bore Rock to the G-D Roll.
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Comments

Box of Rain
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Agree that we shouldn't overlook official DP releases. This version is about as good as it gets outside of the studio version. Phil nails all the lyrics and Donna adds nicely...both the emotion & execution are there. Also check out the outstandingly smooth Row Jimmy from this release (the Utah show.)
The Music Never Stopped
Sept. 25, 1981
Stabler Arena

Very solid version from an overall ridiculously hot show. Also check out the Scarlet>Fire and the tasty Sugar Mag sandwich. One of the best of '81 easily.
Touch of Grey
March 16, 1990
Capital Centre

Easily the cleanest version, & one of the most energetic ever performed. #1 as far as I'm concerned and it needs way more votes. Excellent call.
Eyes Of The World
May 13, 1983
Greek Theater

Best of 1983...true, not an outstanding year for this tune, but on this one they provide the kind of long, relaxed jamming style they would revive in the early 90's to great success. This version sounds much like the excellent 3/31/91 rendition from NC...if you like that one, you'll like this one as well.
Mason's Children
Jan. 24, 1970
Honolulu Civic Auditorium

Must agree...plus I never even knew the Dead played Hawaii!
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