headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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Submissions

1
Drums
Dec. 10, 1972
Winterland Arena

Supercharged Billy at the helm deconstructing and building layers of structure like a master architect. Some of his most inventive fills put to record
1
Me and My Uncle
July 16, 1972
Dillon Stadium

Notable for coming straight out of Cumberland and the alternate lyrics “And I Grabbed the Bottle, Grabbed Him in the Jaw” A cowboy classic.
1
Promised Land
Aug. 5, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Arena

Firing on all cylinders right out the gate. I'm certain Jerry's fretboard caught fire after that first solo. Impossible not to groove to.
1
El Paso
Dec. 4, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Delicate. Like a last waltz of the cowboy and his love, with each lick from Jerry conveying the urgency of the story. Keith makes such an impact here.
1
Cumberland Blues
Dec. 4, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Part of the beginning is cut off, but that doesn't stop this train from rolling on down the mines. Short and sweet.

Comments

Bertha
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

This is just as definitive as 4/14/72 if not more. As the comments above state, it’s criminal how low this is. Also the first Bertha I ever heard when I first started getting into the Dead.
Death Don't Have No Mercy
Dec. 1, 1966
Studio demo

Haunting is definitely the word. Incredible incredible early version. Reminds me of CCR’s version of I put a spell on you, just way more psychedelic. I’m floored.
Jack Straw
Aug. 24, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Needs more votes. Keith giving me chills with his wizard like piano playing. Joyful and inventive and adding new layers to this song. What a beautiful version.
If I Had The World To Give
Nov. 20, 1978
Cleveland Music Hall

Whale call city, and from Bobby no less. Sometimes I wish they played this more, but then it wouldn't make this special tune oh so special. Soulful and genuinely beautiful and melancholic. What a rare gem. Jerry kills it and performs his big ol heart out.
Shakedown Street
Nov. 20, 1978
Cleveland Music Hall

I'm pretty picky when it comes to my Shakedowns, especially these early versions, but man this has easily become one of my favorite versions out there. Captures the feel of the song incredibly well and is an impeccable showcase of the bands musicianship. Wolf gets funky and blue. Howlin' all night for it's darling. Just plain awesome.