headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

10
Beat it on Down The Line
March 22, 1990
Copps Coliseum

A breezy bouncin' bubbly Bobby Beat it...best of the 90's.
8
El Paso
March 27, 1972
Academy of Music

Jerry in serious bluegrass mode. Most country-westernized version ever. At the end Phil sez "Thanks, Texans" even tho' they're in NYC. Awesome version
22
Let It Grow
Sept. 19, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Hornsby gets on board in a big way & Jerry jazzes up the jam sections. Weir slashes away & sings w/passion. Strong candidate for Best of the 90's.
3
Desolation Row
April 17, 1987
Irvine Meadows

This song was only as good as Bobby was committed to it, and on this night he was 100% in Dylan-idoling mode. Gorgeous rendeition, lovingly sung.
9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic
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Comments

Friend of the Devil
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

Might just be the greatest instrumental bridge jam section prior to final verse that they ever did in this tune. Spellbinding flowing layered & beautiful
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

Love Jerry’s vocal on this one. Into it from the get-go with lots of grit and gusto
Here Comes Sunshine
March 18, 1994
Rosemont Horizon

Upping this for the energy/effort factor. Not crazy about the aforementioned Vinny synth sounds (I’m no midi fan either) but this is an uptempo, highly groovy reading of a classic & one of my favorite Wake of the Flood tunes, and I appreciate the band still giving it their all in a pretty rocky year. (Best to go in without first hearing one of the old gems from ‘73 though, because there’s virtually no long jazz jamming in this latter day version)
Brother Esau
April 20, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

The versions with the long wind-ups are my favorite & this one features a cool, patient, slinky intro section. Such an underrated Bobby tune--very nice one here. 10/28/85 at the Fox is another good one.
Aiko Aiko
March 27, 1988
Hampton Coliseum

Tight li'l nugget right here, surprised it's not higher--Jerry belts out each verse!
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