headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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sylvanriv

90s expert

+1262


Submissions

1
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 8, 1993
Sports Arena

Nice Playin'. Jerry finds a few good riffs. Not usually a fan of late era playins, as Jerry's speedy playing is so integral. He plays pretty well here
3
Cassidy
Oct. 30, 1984
Berkeley Community Theater

Picture perfect. Soaring leads from Jerry and crashes exquistely back into the verse
2
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 28, 1984
Berkeley Community Theatre

Hot Playin>China Doll>Playin. Long and exploratory on both ends, especially for 84.
2
Jack Straw
Nov. 29, 1994
McNichols Sports Arena

Very hot tour opener. Jerry's playing is excellent. This show is the only good one from this weird little run in Colorado.
5
Ramble On Rose
Sept. 29, 1994
Boston Garden

Shockingly good. Only good things to say about the Boston Garden run from this tour. These first few nights allayed fears after awful summer tour.
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Comments

Death Don't Have No Mercy
Oct. 9, 1989
Hampton Coliseum

While the first 89 version has more shred, this one is more cohesive with a more intentional solo and fantastic tone from Jerry.
Pretty Peggy O
June 26, 1994
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

Would also like to acknowledge Vince's excellent contribution to this version. When he was given sounds that were closer approximations of a real piano, his color and fills shine through - have a listen at 1:20 and tell me that doesn't work nicely. Brent always needed to be at the front, but Vince was comfortable filling in the empty space as needed and he shines in some of these sparse later arrangements.
Victim Or The Crime
June 27, 1995
The Palace

The victim itself is one of the worst versions I've ever heard, Jerry's barely there. The jam, however...it's not life changing, but for 95, this is serious business. Jerry's present and takes it places with the help of the drummers and Vince, especially. A really lovely bit of playing. Certainly the last meaningful jam the band played, and especially when you consider the context, it makes you wonder what happened, and why the band never tried something like this before.
Ship of Fools
July 8, 1978
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Unreal version. Jerry's vocals are perfect, and don't even get me started on the solo. I was gobsmacked when I first heard this one by the lovely and special something extra Jerry adds to the vocals here, and you know what? I still am.
Terrapin Station
April 5, 1991
The Omni

Absolutely lovely to hear Bruce take the mid solo. Sounds beautiful. 91 has a pretty much endless supply of gems if you look hard enough.
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