headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23519


Submissions

1
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 27, 1990
The Zenith

Can't fathom how this A+ 90s version, with a gorgeous, relaxed tempo & delicate Garcia touches throughout hadn't made the list Great show, great EYES
7
Althea
June 12, 1980
Memorial Coliseum

Just a great, grooving, bluesy Althea. Everyone right in the pocket. Find the exceptional Miller SBD & enjoy.
2
Bird Song
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series Vol. 10. This version is sparkling. Everything you expect out of a great '72 w/cool OR. vibe. Beautiful midsong drum break & much more
1
Aiko Aiko
Feb. 23, 1993
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Hey Now! Played on Mardi Gras day with 10 minute drum percussion lead-in to start the 2nd set! You'll like what the Big Chief say.
3
Space
March 16, 1990
Capital Centre

Not Space, but since there's no category for "jam" this beautiful calypso improv out of WomenRsmarter will have to do (also has an "Eyes" tease)
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Comments

Dark Star
Feb. 11, 1969
Fillmore East

Much like some of the 10-12 minute PITB's of the Europe '72 run deliver the goods as well as many marathon later versions do, this Dark Star gets down to business while still leaving plenty of room for Garcia to explore the universe with the rest of the crew keeping the ship on course when needed. A concise but bold & brilliant DS worthy of higher ranking. Lots to love here---don't dismiss it for being under half an hour!
Franklin's Tower
Dec. 28, 1980
Oakland Auditorium

Such an underrated gem here--check out Jerry's hard bite vocal on "One watched by NIGHT" & the ensuing jam shredder that follows.
Franklin's Tower
Sept. 23, 1987
The Spectrum

^^^^^Yes!Indeedy! Total sleeper pick here. I agree this is how Franklin's is best played--uptempo but not too fast clip, crunchy Jerry guitar fills & lots of nice tinkling by Brent not mucked up by using fisher price sounds--more traditional key sound here--and unlike some older versions, there's no drag here or lull in the middle--propulsive, driving and yet still beautiful in spots--this is a five star Franklin's hiding in plain view & just waiting to be discovered. I recommend the Healy matrix--and make sure you check out Jerry's impassioned growling in the outro chorus. Excellent recommend!
Comes A Time
May 21, 1977
Lakeland Civic Center

Had to add to this vote total b/c on further listening the guitar solo is nearly as pristine as 5/9/77 & has its own special touch of Jerry--slinky, almost dragging across the strings but w/out losing the gentleness that marks the solo-- & this version has overall better vocals (by a hair, but still)....Buffalo still deserves its top spot for the indescribable "it" or "X" factor, but this gorgeous version is every bit as worthy if not "the" one.
Touch of Grey
March 27, 1987
Civic Center

One of the best things about the new DaP is getting this awesome version in tip top matrix form.
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