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

Let It Grow
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

100% agree (best of '77) and Garcia goes just ballistic in the latter half of the song.
Bird Song
Sept. 27, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Phil can be heard after they finish saying "Dynamite!" Agreed.
Eyes Of The World
April 27, 1985
Frost Amphitheatre

Yes, the jamming is nice & the transition into Eyes is a fun, rare treat, but it has to be noted also that Jerry's voice is absolutely terrible here* (as it was for much of '85). Not trying to hate at all, just saying that when it comes to overall headiness of this version, this should be taken into account. * Just listen to him barely croaking out the opening line in Scarlet, and Eyes isn't much better.
Good Lovin'
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Jerry's 2 solos push this into legendary territory. No surprise from the show that never stops giving.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

This whole show is spectacular (especially the DS)...Top 3 of '72, and yes, that includes the Europe shows.