headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect
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Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

In terms solely regarding TRANSITION into FIRE this is a top 3 all-time. The rest is very good.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 14, 1971
Davis Gym, Bucknell University

Great early power version. Garcia especially shines and the origins of what would become the best known transition jam are evident.
Beat it on Down The Line
March 18, 1967
Winterland Arena

Surfer punk indeed!! Jerry does a rolling riff near the end of the tune that is so fluid and perfect it makes you shake your your head yet again at how many different styles this band could master!
The Music Never Stopped
Oct. 1, 1977
Paramount Theatre

After further review: The best.
Bird Song
March 22, 1973
Utica Memorial Auditorium

Shares many of the spacey, Dark-Star-like elements as PNE Coliseum 3 months later (that one is still the gold standard), but this version deserves far more attention/listening and votes. Soaring, dreamlike Birdsong.
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