headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Jacaranda23

Connoisseur

+72


Submissions

4
The Wheel
Dec. 28, 1983
Civic Auditorium

Super extended, gentle, blissful intro, with a Playin Reprise tease at the end.
3
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 28, 1983
Civic Auditorium

Very crisp, driving version with nice work from Brent.

Comments

Sugaree
May 4, 1991
Cal Expo

It's crazy that a version of Sugaree this good could be so low on the list. This one is a hidden gem for sure.
Crazy Fingers
July 13, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

This is the top version for me. First of all one of my favorite things about Crazy Fingers is the slinky slide-in of the beginning like it is on the studio version. So later on when they changed it to that more bouncy intro I feel like it lost a little of its magic. But this one still has that slinky slide-in. Love it! The verse portion of this one is executed flawlessly. And Donna is in peak form in her harmonies! But let's face it, the most magical thing about Crazy Fingers is the key change to a minor key in the outro. And this one falls into that key change so perfectly. The whole vibe and tone shifts to this wistful, nostalgic, and even almost a little sinister vibe, leading to a long, inspired jam that really captures the best of what this track offers. Mystery, intrigue, gentleness.
Crazy Fingers
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

Lovely version for sure, and I love the way it morphs into Dancin'. But a liiiiittle overrated if I'm being honest.
Eyes Of The World
June 18, 1976
Capitol Theatre

Criminally underrated version. This one is a top five of all time for me! I love the super extended intro that goes through a whole journey of its own, even coming to a point where it almost breaks down into complete chaos, but then sneaks back together just in time for the first verse. It's already an epic version before a single lyric is sung.
Scarlet Begonias
July 24, 1987
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium

Man, it really just speaks to the depth quality of the tire Grateful Dead canon that a version this good is just a fourth page submission. This version is absolutely thrilling. Lifted and spirited from start to finish. One of those versions were Jerry hits every note - both from his guitar and from his voice. And like mentioned above, the lead-in to "Wind in the willows" is one of those rare glimpses of "Jerry shred". I can only imagine how much that got the crowd frantic because sitting here listening to it in my car I want to start jumping around!