headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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jonmurphy987

sense & color

+532


Submissions

5
Black Peter
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Still an infant, only two months old, this is a delicately sublime version. Available on the (un-numbered) Download Series from the Family Dog.
5
Sugaree
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

Mr. Lemieux, if you're listening, this show deserves a look! Brent's debut and nice energy throughout, as evidenced by this Sugaree!
4
I Need A Miracle
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

Lively version with plenty of Phil bombs from a seriously underrated show. Almost makes you forget how rote this song got a few years later.
4
Looks Like Rain
July 20, 1994
Deer Creek Music Center

Strong version from a very good '94 show. We all know Jerry's playing was in decline at this point but the magic could still be mustered at times
6
The Music Never Stopped
April 2, 1989
Civic Arena

Tight and energetic version from an oddly underrated show -- The whole show and the following night is available as Dowload Series Vol. 9.

Comments

The Other One
Sept. 17, 1972
Baltimore Civic Center

Love Quinn's comment above, but if you've got 40 minutes to spare, then by all means, give this your attention. It's really a tour de force!
Truckin'
Sept. 17, 1972
Baltimore Civic Center

This stand-alone Truckin' is a galloping gem.
Box of Rain
Sept. 17, 1970
Fillmore East

Per the Good Ol' Grateful Deadcast podcast, this actually features the same instrumental lineup as the studio version, meaning Phil on acoustic guitar, Jerry on piano, David Nelson on lead guitar, Dave Torbert on bass. Really a sweet version. Would be amazing if a soundboard surfaced someday.
Here Comes Sunshine
March 30, 1994
The Omni

Clearly the revival versions can't compare to the classic 70's versions but this is a really great 90's performance, perhaps the best you'll find. Brisk tempo, solid vocals, punchy delivery. It's a banger!
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 20, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

This features a nice Scarlet jam and transition into Fire. And I guess it’s nice and long. But otherwise I really don’t quite get why this version is rated so high. The vocals are truly atrocious, Jerry’s guitar frequently sounds out of tune during Fire, and the overall vibe is pretty ramshackle. Not to mention the cheesy vocal effect layered on top of the final chorus. What’s up with that? Is this a top fifteen version (which is where it stands as I write this)? No way.