headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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tripel

brent-era lean

+80


Submissions

3
Johnny B. Goode
Oct. 9, 1984
The Centrum

Surprised to see this one not on the list. Just smokes from start to end ... killer tempo, Weir and Garcia on fire, and BRENT. Check out his solo.
5
Promised Land
June 23, 1990
Autzen Stadium

Rock & roll, baby. Phil kicks this one in the nuts.

Comments

All Along the Watchtower
June 9, 1990
Cal Expo

was at this one ...great show, great run, what i remember most about this one was a crazed/trashed dude climbed up onto the stage during watchtower and made a beeline for Jerry. One of the stagecrew guys came darting across the stage and tacked him just before he reached Jerry, and Jer just stepped back and launched into a particularly wicked bit of soloing... was amazing
Jack Straw
Jan. 11, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Fair enough. The early 80s had the power. 83 was an amazing year for H-S-F. And the late 80s certainly had way too many off nights, but there were thse incredible shows, like Alpine, Greek, Hampton 89 and Nassau, Cal Expo, Eugene 90 ...where its some of the best and most evolved stuff they ever played, IMO
Jack Straw
Jan. 11, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

I'm sorry, but in my opinion this being at #1 just shows the pro-70s bias of the majority of heads. Other than Jerry's fast playing in the solo (accentuated by the overall slow tempo), there is little of note here, except the brutal vocal miscue at the vocal peak. Listen to the Dead's own later interviews -- they saw they were at their musical peak in the late 80s (particularly late '89 through mid 90.) This doesn't hold a candle to Syracuse 84, NJ 87, Oxford 88 or Cal Expo 90 in my opinion. But no offense to those who love these years...
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 19, 1989
Greek Theatre, U. Of California

i love this one ...last greek show. this was the sloppy drums era (Bill), and so it's not very tight. But the transition jam and the jerry/mickey action on "headlight" are outstanding. I love the last verse of the solo too, Jerry cranks it up and his tone is right on the edge of distortion ...totally goes balls out. I love it.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

regarding "Naming Brent #3 MVP is lunacy." that's not what i said -- Bob is absolutely an MVP and key ingredient in the chemistry and what made the band so musically unique. What i meant was pure musical talent -- the chops, the ear, etc. Ie, if any of them were to walk onto bandstage with other musicians or say to sit in on a jazz jam session ... i think Brent had musical chops to rival Jerry & Phil ..not saying Bob wasn't great, I just don't think he had/has the pure talent those guys had (my POV anyway)
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