headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

6
They Love Each Other
Nov. 4, 1979
Civic Center

Early in Brent's tenure he's locked in for the 1st part of a long, flowing instrumental mid-section. Jer doesn't disappoint either. Underrated version
11
Crazy Fingers
April 3, 1990
The Omni

Very strong entry w/no lyrical mistakes & Jerry in fine voice, esp. for the year. Crystal clean sound from '90 spring box set shows how good this is!
14
Brokedown Palace
Sept. 16, 1972
Boston Music Hall

This melts like a dream from a weirdly underrated Dark Star & is sung beautifully by Jerry & played sweetly by all. Give a listen!
7
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Sept. 20, 1991
Boston Garden

Ok technically it's Help>Slipknot>Fire but c'mon that's pretty cool & even w/out the novelty of the change-up it's a sweet version
11
Take A Step Back
Oct. 31, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Phil: "Remember, if you step up too close We'll HAVE TO STOP PLAYING. Weir: I would remind you all that Halloween is not a legal holiday"
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Comments

So Many Roads
July 9, 1995
Soldier Field

@Younghead: Thank you for a very thoughtful and moving post. I don't really have anything to say about this show, or even this song (which truth to tell I never really cared for), but you summed up quite eloquently the state of the band and the man in the end days. I think all of us here remember him the way he was when he was good--and when he was good, there was no one better.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Really sweet. Two nights later (6/19/76) is also a winner!
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 12, 1980
Swing Auditorium

Really time to give this version more love & votes. Klaussmith prefers the AUD; I am more partial to the SBD--neither are perfect but that should not stop you from listening to and thoroughly enjoying this awesome version. Either source is more than worthy. The Mountain Jam tease is way cool, but that's not the only thing that makes this rendition a top pick. The jamming is fluid and rockin' and while lots of China>Riders lose their steam once they get into "Rider", this one charges ahead at full speed and doesn't let up. Outstanding stuff.
Playin' In The Band
Feb. 22, 1973
Assembly Hall, University of Illinois

Roaring acid-jazz version. Jerry just never lets up. Definitely for those in the mood for a more raucous performance and fewer mellow moments, but it's a tour de force for sure and worthy of the best from this (or any) year.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
July 1, 1985
Merriweather Post Pavilion

@AMDew: Agreed. Even though this is not a "top" version for me (not much in '85 is), I think Copps '90 is grossly overrated, at least as ranked here. No way does it beat out so many of the late 70's early 80's versions that appear far lower on this list. (Guess i'm really not a fan of Jerry's MIDI jams, which really define the Copps version.)
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