headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

43
Estimated Prophet
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

From the famous "ravenspace" show; the only version in which the main theme is reprised+lots of Bob yelling
64
Ship of Fools
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

Perfection. The "comes a time" for this show gets all the attention but this SOF is just as grand
64
Uncle John's Band
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Part of a 2nd set for the ages; flows in & out of PITB teases & then reprises into killer Dew
20
Terrapin Station
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

Hold on tight!
51
Bertha
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Sweet bass drop-ins by Phil on intro; extended Garcia solos in bridge jam; very intense and fun
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Comments

Terrapin Station
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

^^^^That’s a wonderful story! Cool too that you got your old man to admit he likes the Cornell BEW. I’m with you in my passion for this tune, it’s one of my very favorites of the 1st set variety along with Row Jimmy and Cassidy so I guess that’s why I care enough to claim that a version like 11/4/77 is so much better than Cornell. I’ve gone back and listened a lot to 5/8 since the official release and it’s undoubtedly strong in almost every way but I’m still caught on having that particular version being #1. I can’t prove it but my guess is if the date label were removed it’d come in top 3-5, but not in 1st place. And I’d be fine with that.
Morning Dew
March 27, 1994
Nassau Coliseum

What gets me most is how stupendously strong Garcia’s vocals are on this version. He’s belting it out like he’s 20 years younger but he still also adds that veteran grizzle that made the song even more emotionally powerful in his later days. The playing is great too and he nails the obligatory shredded outro but it’s really astonishing that this is sung in ‘94. It’s crazy good and I have no problem saying a top 10 all time version.
Bertha
July 31, 1974
Dillon Stadium

All true about the unique sounding quality to this. Took me a few listens before realizing the familiar sounding but decidedly non-Bertha-like opening riff was just like a '73 version of "They Love Eeach Other" but it works great. Solid reading after that and a cool, confident Bertha that deserves more listens. Lots of Phil to enjoy too,
Big River
Sept. 23, 1972
Palace Theater

Unreal. Utterly unique. Fantasmagoric syncopated start & overall feel.Unlike any Big River I've ever heard. Should skyrocket up the board if enough ears get on it. Wow!
Candyman
April 1, 1990
The Omni

Yeah, this one has that bluesy cadence and just the right amount of oomph in the solo. Jerry's voice this entire show is in that sweet spot...lots of grit and enough emotion to power through the rough spots. Up-vote worthy!
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