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.

Comments

Dark Star
June 27, 1969
Veterans Auditorium

Glad you liked it Danny! This whole show is really such a treat as well. Love The Other One and Lovelight teases, Phil really wanted to dive into Lovelight lol.
Dark Star
June 27, 1969
Veterans Auditorium

Abstract Dark Star. I’ve been digging into these 1969 versions of Dark Star and this one in particular really stands out. Explores many, many themes. This one is harder to talk about and should genuinely be experienced. The band all have something to say, free form ideas that blossom into a cacophony of electrical harmony. A musical debate between everyone in the band, all of them communicating and bringing something new to the table, what a treat.
Terrapin Station
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

Inspiration, move me brightly. Jerry embodies the storyteller. Played with so much passion, and is surrounded by so much love. Transitions into a funky killer Playin’ and as someone who prefers their Playin’s from 72-74, hearing the one that comes after this blew me away. Check out the whole sequence, you won’t regret it.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

The song that got me into the Dead. This version still has a chokehold on me so many years later. Jerry’s solo sections are waterfalls of little stars crashing into the depths of the cosmos. Beautiful sound, listen without the overdubs so you can hear how truly naturally locked in they are in this. Stunning elegance that radiates heavenly energy that makes this version seem from another plant. This is also the single moment they got that transition just right. Doesn’t get better than this,
Jack A Roe
May 6, 1981
Nassau Coliseum

Sick version. My personal go to for some electric jammy sailing. Jack a Roe is so underrated.