headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

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!
45
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
28
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.
13
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.
35
Promised Land
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

New #1 version--all time best. This is a stretched-out jam-fest for a song usually given the quick-off. Killer fills from Hornsby. MUST HEAR!
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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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