headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

2
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 4, 1982
Kiel Auditorium

Fast-picking goodness. Jerry's bridge solo is long and lightning quick and awesome. 1 point off for lyric flub on re-entry, but the rest is gold.
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
15
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!
19
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

As insanely good as the Wharf Rat that precedes it. How good? Almost matches 10/29/77 in intensity. Final jam section b4 SSDD will boggle your senses!
show more submissions

Comments

Terrapin Station
March 24, 1988
Omni Coliseum

Agreed. Also please don't overlook the "Candyman" from this show--one of the all-time best, if not THE best.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Feb. 3, 1979
Market Square Arena

Upon further review...this version needs more votes. I've known it for years but possibly downplayed its headiness b/c there's no pristine SBD available, but the AUD source is excellent and the version needs to be heard to be believed. The "Scarlet" contains maybe the best bridge jam ever prior to "wind in the willows", and the "Fire" is just that, plus Jerry actually nails all the lyrics. Really spectacular, especially given that it's one of the last Keith & Donna versions ever.
Jack Straw
April 6, 1987
Meadowlands Arena

Had to bump this one a bit. Where the hell has it been hiding all these years? Billy & Mickey simply own this version. The others are great (Phil especially), but the drummers are driving this train for sure. Yee-Ow.
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 17, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Along with Charlotte 3/91 and Branford at Nassau '90 this must be included in any "best of" post-90's version. Jerry's voice is also surprisingly strong on this also & the jamming is just forever. Really top notch.
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

All of what's said above, but most of all PRISTINE, which really is the mark of what may be the most just-exactly perfect show the band ever played. (And I say that as a '77 die-hard fan whose personal all-time favorite show is 10/29/77. But assessing objectively, 8/27/72 is the best. This PITB is spellbinding.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)