headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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Submissions

1
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 15, 1969
Lanai Theater

Bouncy as it is lysergic. Unique phrasing from Jerry. Everybody’s vocals are on. The Rider is some pure country fried jamming if I’ve ever heard it.
1
Turn On Your Love Light
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

This is The Dead at peak performance level. Cataclysmic version. Everyone is ON. Explorative and not a beat missed. Easily top 5 of 69.
2
Dire Wolf
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Nice early electric version. Always preferred this key for Dire Wolf compared to when they changed it in the later years. Just right. Nice version.
1
Next Time You See Me
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Takes you right to Chicago. Jerry’s playing emulates the blues greats. Hard rocking version that reminds me of a Junior Wells cut. Highly recommend.
1
High Time
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Haunting organ playing. Crystalline and psychedelic early version that feels very spacey. Great vocal delivery.
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Comments

Playin' In The Band
April 24, 1972
Rheinhalle

General J. Garcia takes full command of the music and sends everybody within a 100 foot radius spiraling into 4th dimensional exploration. This music truly gives meaning to the phrase: Above, So Below. One of my all time favorite versions. A sweet, sweet treat that I will listen to over and over and over again. Love revisiting this version and show.
Death Don't Have No Mercy
April 20, 1969
Clark University

Dangerous solo. Haunting, shadowy, and brilliantly spooky, really great display of the bands dynamics as well.
Doin' That Rag
April 20, 1969
Clark University

Really great version that caught my ear, bouncy and captures that 69 sound so well.
The Harder They Come
May 20, 1990
Hilo Civic Auditorium

This might be my favorite version. For a whole month or so I would listen to this version multiple times daily as I would take my guitar and jam away for hours on end. It’s fun, free spirited, and a beautiful example of the pinnacle of Jerry’s musical expression in the later era of his life. Stunning vocals with great lead work from Jerry, that his him playing with such pure intention that listening is like a baptism in sound. I really love the pre hiatus versions and the versions from 76-78, but this just has that charm that hits me like no other, and Merl with that “steel pan” solo? Come on now. Just plain fun. Beautiful island vibes from this version.
Catfish John
Feb. 18, 1978
Veterans Memorial Auditorium

I wish I could list Lonesome And Long Way From Home from this show as well. That version is my all time favorite with one of my favorite deep spaces Jerry’s ever explored. His tone is so crystal clear and his playing is a real display of pure virtuosity with him channeling Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, and Art Tatum so seamlessly in these jazzy free form spaces. For 78 it gets really out there. That being said check out this whole show, some of the best JGB material out there.
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