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

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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