headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.

Comments

Estimated Prophet
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Thanks for the heads up on the other reprise versions, Klaussmith! I must go and find and listen...I was convinced Baltimore was the only time, but if there are others, that's great! Love how it sounds when they bring it back around!
Here Comes Sunshine
Feb. 17, 1973
St. Paul Auditorium

Not the best HCS & not the best China>Rider to follow either (tho' neither is bad)....HOWEVER, this transition from HCS>ChinaCat is one of the, if not THE best supercool&smooth transitions the band EVER performed, on par with and perhaps better than SugarMag>Scarlet from Alpine '89. Worth it just for the seamless transition alone.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 3, 1982
The Scope

Seek out the new "Seaweed" SBD version which is superior to all others and marvel at how bouncy, jammy and loosey-goosey awesome this version really is. Insanely good "Eyes" as well...
Playin' In The Band
June 22, 1973
Pacific Coliseum

Much like the "Birdsong" from this great show, there are elements of "Dark Star" and great gooey mellow spaciness in this version. Needs more votes.
Cosmic Charlie
June 19, 1976
Capitol Theatre

Must agree. Vocally, Donna keeps things in a sweet spot and the slow but not too-slow tempo carries this one into #1 territory.