headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

2
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 4, 1982
Kiel Auditorium

Fast-picking goodness. Jerry's bridge solo is long and lightning quick and awesome. 1 point off for lyric flub on re-entry, but the rest is gold.
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
15
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!
19
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

As insanely good as the Wharf Rat that precedes it. How good? Almost matches 10/29/77 in intensity. Final jam section b4 SSDD will boggle your senses!
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Comments

Comes A Time
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

Never get tired of hearing that gorgeous outro jam.
Franklin's Tower
Nov. 29, 1980
Alligator Alley Gym, University of Florida

I wish they'd made more attempts at Shakedown>Franklin's. While the transition here isn't in their seamless transition hall of fame, it's not awful, and it is fun and adventurous if nothing else, but lost in discussion of the hand off is how good this standalone Franklin's really is. What I love most about it is how direct it is. No meandering here like many longer (and higher ranked) versions are. Jerry just attacks every lead and the band is fully cranked up behind. There's nary a note wasted here and there's a lot to get excited about, plus the novelty of emerging from the shake. Easy ups for me on this one.
Sugar Magnolia
June 20, 1983
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Frenetic, energetic, explosive especially in the latter part of the tune, but, it has to be said...pretty darn sloppy overall. Donnie's criticism might be a bit overdone but he's not totally wrong. Can't upvote this one even though the energy of it is undeniable. Must have been a blast to be there.
Wharf Rat
Dec. 27, 1977
Winterland Arena

Lost in a sea of great Rats from this year, I suspect, but yeah, like almost every song/show from the end of this Winterland run, this one is outstanding.
Cassidy
March 28, 1985
Nassau Coliseum

Three tiered monster, every turn executed beautifully, a fine example of a long version success. Would likely have more votes if a strronger SBD version was available but there's a decent one to be found. Worth the listen.
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