headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

42
Ramble On Rose
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

Gorgeous, incredible, up and down, carnival-like bridge jam by Jerry. Picture perfect version--no flaws
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

April '78 S>F's often mentioned are 4/16 and 4/24 (rightly so) but this one is every bit as good. Superior transition jam--, beautiful, & powerful
94
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Starts out Jazzy, explorative, takes its time, 3 minute intro, then blasts off into the stratosphere with intense Garcia-led jamming

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.
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