headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Mercury

colorful wookie

+6852


Submissions

2
Cassidy
April 26, 1977
Capitol Theater

The jam peers to the horizons it yearns to/ will visit
3
Deal
April 26, 1977
Capitol Theater

Video sounds better and really captures the spirit and energy of the performance
4
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 19, 1971
Northrop Auditorium, U. of Minn.

Snappy/ not to be missed
1
China Doll
Sept. 24, 1973
Civic Arena

First one that does not follow an Eyes. Deserving of the new sources finally coming out.
1
Let It Grow
Aug. 24, 1980
Grand Center

Healthy serving, plenty of noodles

Comments

Big Railroad Blues
Nov. 19, 1972
Hofheinz Pavilion

Yeah man, there’s all kinds of comparisons but often it comes right down to the version you’re listening to at the moment. That’s the only one. Just love it the way Jerry tears into every solo song after song, show after show, year after year. Seizing the moment for life. And this one surely brings a smile… and a dance :)
Dark Star
Dec. 15, 1972
Long Beach Arena

One of the rare instances where a Dark Star doesn’t begin with Da, da dah-dah, the beginning can be placed at the point earlier in the jam where Jerry telegraphs a Dark Star-like riff that really sounds like a searchlight casting in the fog and a back door opening into a new dimension or realm. More follows (with subtle note sequences akin to other Stars), then Keith joining and Phil entering with a rousing barrage – eventually building into the jam that marks this version. Sure, they could’ve turned a corner and not arrived at the lyrics, but it does feel that they are heading in that direction, albeit in a meandering explorative way and at some points stronger than others. While the post-verse part does not place this version in the company of definitive Stars, the pre-verse lead-in does.
Not Fade Away
Oct. 6, 1977
Activity Center. Arizona State U

Holy psychedelic juggling devil sticks, Batman! Once people check in here, watch this one climb.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 14, 1971
Texas Christian University

The transition's got that brief whip-snap/ jump/ gallop thing going on -- a harbinger of the opening up of future versions.
Desolation Row
July 19, 1990
Deer Creek Music Center

Sublime. The band, collectively and individually, masters the swells and ebbs of this lyric-laden song with poise and frolic. As with other shows on this tour, Brent’s ebullient runs are flying high. This is the pinnacle version.