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

New Speedway Boogie
July 14, 1970
Euphoria Ballroom

Perfect groove. Totally in the pocket + a lengthy outro jam.
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 26, 1972
Music Hall

Everyone says this or that Playin' is the "jazziest". No No No No No. THIS Playin' is the jazziest. Think "Bitches Brew" crossed with Phil channeling Mingus at Antibes, while Billy goes all Buddy Rich on the fast parts. Garcia brings his Wes Montgomery touch to the quieter sections and when things get intense he does Jimi proud. Not saying this one is the "best", but it's top tier for sure, and as far as the whole "jazz" discussion goes...well, we have a winner.
Casey Jones
June 27, 1969
Veterans Auditorium

Crazy early version w/indeed a long-ish lead-in instrumental and groovy slower jams in the middle...they're obviously still in the "working out" stages of this classic and it's a total blast to hear this infant version...it still rocks, just in a different way than the well-known faster versions of later years.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 21, 1977
Lakeland Civic Center

This really needs some comment as well as more votes. There may be no better version in terms of precision combined with power and flow of BOTH tunes, which is fairly rare. (Often you get a stellar 'Scarlet' followed by a tired or flubbed 'Fire', or vice versa.) This version (found on DP 29) never lets up. The 'Scarlet' is pure perfection--smooth yet jammy--and the transition into 'Fire' is a tsunami of power chords by Jerry with ensuing jams that spark the senses. Please give it another listen and see if it earns your vote.
Brown Eyed Women
Sept. 26, 1981
Buffalo Auditorium

Extra Jerry in the jam section...perfectly rendered version...a real hidden gem!
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