headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

130
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Most pristine version I've ever heard. So smooth, so clear. Keith leads the way, Jerry brings it home. . Essential for all Wharf Rat fans
18
Aiko Aiko
Aug. 10, 1982
Iowa Fieldhouse - University of Iowa

Another kick-ass version out of Space...not as long&rising a wind-up as the 9-14-82 tripiness), but raucous, fun & full of N'awlins cajun rock!
36
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Powerhouse. Garcia belts out vocals. Hear amazing riff of added notes in the main theme instrumental sections.Drums pound away as well.
7
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 29, 1979
Cleveland Public Hall

Jerry commits strong vocals to this rendition--he's into it big time...& Brent adds great accompaniment. Very strong Garcia bridge jam as well.
118
Cumberland Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They could actually hit the high notes in '72, and the jams? Goodness gracious--this one just rips a hole in the space/time continuum!
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Comments

Bird Song
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

That should be WA. vibe, as in Seattle. Sweet version either way.
Loser
Feb. 26, 1973
Pershing Municipal Auditorium

I normally don't pay a lot of attention to the earlier versions of this tune because they lack the monster middle jams that would come in the mid 80s and culminate in the best ever version from 1990 at the Knick, but I should because the vocal delivery on ones like this are so good that it offers a different kind of experience and a very satisfying one. This whole DP is one of the top 10 in the entire series including Dave's) and I've overlooked this version of Loser unfairly until now. Thanks for bringing it to light.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 20, 1982
Madison Square Garden

Indeed the matrix is the best source for this great version with lengthy mellow transition jam and sweet Fire entry. Jer does his all too frequent lost in translation with the first verse thing but almost seems to be laughing about it, then gets down to the business of ripping the roof off. From a show that would get a ton more attention if it had a killer SBD but this Seamons hybrid is fantastic in its own right.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 9, 1983
Hampton Coliseum

To each his own, of course but to be clear, I'm not reviewing the whole show at all. There are always flaws in '83 shows, even the best of them, but I'm only raving here about the China>Rider, which I think is far better than just OK. I can't seem to find a better one in this year and the 80s weren't always kind to this combo anyway so this one is a standout that I think you're giving a bit short shrift due to the rest of the show being pretty sloppy. This is a hard kicking nailed t down version & Jerry's clearly into it as you can hear in his northboind train moment. You may be be right that this show as a whole is overrated but this combo is just the opposite.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 9, 1983
Hampton Coliseum

You're all gonna hate me commenting over and over on this version until it gets at least out of the 3-vote zone it's in now. You've been warned. Just freaking listen already.
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