headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

56
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

The very definition of "underrated." Almost lost to time& yet it kills. No flubbed verses, great steady reggae jams;perfect transition. Please try it.
46
Ramble On Rose
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

Jerry sounds "just like Wolfman Jack" when he growwwlllzzz out the final chorus on "Goodbye Mama & Papa...!" Whole version is aces back to back!
45
It's All Over Now Baby Blue
Oct. 10, 1982
Frost Amphitheatre

Jerry in especially soulful voice on this completely perfecto version from one of the best shows of '82. If you like 4-6 Spectrum, you'll love this.
18
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

My favorite "sandwich" version, this PITB actually begins in the 2nd set as reprise from the previous night! Insane weaving thru UJB/Space/Dew
22
Samson and Delilah
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Goofy stage banter by Bob, then the rippingest, roaringest, best-drummed version I know.
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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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