headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

19
Althea
Sept. 9, 1982
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Incredible. Check out Brent's fills during the epic post-lyrics outro. A must-listen top tier Althea w/bounce, power, & panache!
17
Deal
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

Apparently no one is aware that a fellow named Keith played in this band or this version would have 50 votes already. Needs to be heard!
1
Pretty Peggy O
Sept. 4, 1980
Providence Civic Center

Outside of 1977 this may be the best version I've heard. A+ vocals from Jerry, killer mid-solo; slightly faster tempo. Must hear. Gr8 Matrix!
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Bob's lyric phrasing on this version is unique. He sings it in a way so different than any I've heard before & it's inventive & super-fun. Must hear!
7
Greatest Story Ever Told
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Best of the 80's or 90's, hands down. Picture perfect rendition: Vocals, jam fills, & finish.
show more submissions

Comments

Dark Star
May 15, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

more and more enamored of this one, a floating, dreamy gem of a version, masterfully in rhythm and w/a gorgeous return following some mellow gong-space. Excellent.
Me and My Uncle
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

Forgot to mention in 1st comments that Jerry lays down a mean solo even while caught in the faster paced disco double time. Stellar.
Big Railroad Blues
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

True grit right here. Nothing fancy or pretty but a rocked out, ragged, rip roaring good one.
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 18, 1972
Fox Theater

Jazz clinic version that sandwiches a drums>darkStar>Dew>reprise. Underrated by about 20-30 votes.
Crazy Fingers
July 13, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

May be my new personal favorite. The outro jam is legendary for good reason--as close to a Shankar-style raga as you'll ever hear them do--but even before then, the mid-song bridge jam is just a thousand different kinds of beautiful & Donna Jean just sparkles on vocals, blending rather than overtaking Jerry at key moments. Stunning, spectacular version, better perhaps by a nose than many of the other fine June/July 1976 renditions listed on the board.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)