headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

41
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Best ever. No fooling. Don't miss Mickey and Billy dueling each other at the frenzied end jam before heading into SSDD. Whole version insane!
80
Jack Straw
Oct. 20, 1984
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

Crazy hard driving insanisty to end the first set. One of those jam segments that builds and builds and KABOOMS into final verse. Phil fans: a must
15
Stella Blue
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Sweet & melty....gorgeous harmonies from Brent.
88
Sugaree
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

1977 was a helluva year for this song. I have no quarrel w/ 5/5, 5/19, or 5/21, but I think this one beats 'em all by a nose!
53
St. Stephen
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

With all due rfespect to Barton Hall & others, this is the best version out there (IMO). Bluesy, rockin', jammin', just exactly perfect

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.