headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23517


Submissions

4
China Cat Sunflower
April 5, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

Nice early stand alone with a long intro. You can hear the transition from the old intro to the more familiar pickings of later versions.
5
Darkness Jam
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

Not really a darkness jam but more of a dark star jam than what it's listed as (PITB) leads into Wharf Rat & is beyond beautiful.
8
Wang Dang Doodle
Oct. 22, 1983
Carrier Dome, Syracuse U

The boys really "throw a mess" on this one, making the carrier dome sound like a down and dirty old time saloon. Slinky sick stuff
2
Row Jimmy
April 18, 1987
Irvine Meadows

Check out Jerry's "giddy-up" riffs in the final "Row" choruses!
4
Estimated Prophet
Aug. 31, 1985
Manor Downs

Hot as the night in Texas on which it was played.
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Late to the game on this hidden gem...sensational transition jam with Garcia finding new avenues on a familiar street just blazing into the final run up and the energy doesn't flag into Rider...show itself stands in the shadows of the MSG run just b4 it but don't deprive yourself of a stellar combo from this Hartford show
Estimated Prophet
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

^^^^Yes, of course! More "fools" are always welcome in my administration ;-)
Loser
March 24, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena

^^^^All true, and this version needs no excuses for its spot on the board... breathtaking Garcia solo, gruff vox growl perfectly fitting the tune, the whole band in lock step...there are other underrated versions out there but to say this is overrated is silly. For a similar version to this one (not quite on the same level but damn close) check out Ventura 7/22/84
Let It Grow
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

This is even a shade better than 5-14-78 at Providence which is also great but I think gets its higher ranking only b/c it's longer...and not by much...this one glides a little better to my ears and Donna blends so nicely with Bobby, and of course the jamming is rich and colorful throughout. Shoulda upped it long ago
Greatest Story Ever Told
Dec. 6, 1992
Knickerbocker Arena

Another winner from this way underappreciated late '92 humdinger of a show--the jam section in this one is a Jerry shred fest that also features some of Vince's best keyboard work and whatever Bobby had goin' on with his slash-fuzz-guitar sound at this show --he shouda done more of it...so good
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