headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

5
Casey Jones
Dec. 26, 1969
McFarlin Auditorium, SMU

The music sounds like something you'd hear being played at a carnival.
4
Monkey and the Engineer
Dec. 19, 1969
Fillmore Auditorium

First time played.
2
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 11, 1980
Warfield Theater

It starts off slow, then the booogie kicks in and this one sprouts its wings and soars.
4
China Doll
Oct. 11, 1980
Warfield Theater

Hauntingly beautiful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Oct. 11, 1980
Warfield Theater

Oh, God - Bob's line before they start the tune is priceless.
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 19, 1973
Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena

I think this one is overrated. The one from LA just below it is much better.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

Wow. The transition is 5+ minutes of pure bliss. Some serious five man jam going on. Then 4+ minutes into Rider, Jerry starts to lift things higher and higher and Keith is there with him, making it a sparkling duet. Your head will bop, your eyes will pop and your jaw will drop. There are not 14 better versions of this. Come on, folks - bump it up!
Mason's Children
Jan. 17, 1970
Oregon State University

Example - you think the Dead were making great music on a regular basis is 1970. That would make an average version of a song for them great. What we're trying to do is identify the best versions. Everything can't be the best. Some are just average, but by average, they're still great.
Mason's Children
Dec. 28, 1969
International Speedway

This one's a no-brainer. By far the best version they played. Focus, timing, intensity. This is it.
Mason's Children
Jan. 17, 1970
Oregon State University

Average version. Nothing here that's special or stands out.
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