headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+1297


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

Good Lovin'
Jan. 2, 1972
Winterland Arena

A very tasty and rare China Cat sandwiched between this Good Lovin. Pigpen just tears the house down, his energy is off the charts. The jamming gets deep but stays incredibly consistent, they're all able stay on the same wavelength and as a result , we get some amazingly tight psychedelic blues jamming that'll leave you completely melted. So unique and by definition, heady. I highly recommend this one. The Transition out of CCS is one for the ages.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 3, 1979
Market Square Arena

This is a great late 70s China Rider. There aren't many either and this might be the best out of all of them. Jerry feels really comfortable exploring the song in a new light and his enthusiasm shines through in his playing too. Phil is stomping is way through the transition onto Rider. Great version in my opinion. You can also hear everyone quite well!
Jack A Roe
Nov. 20, 1978
Cleveland Music Hall

Oh wow. A jam opening up the second set leading into Jack a Roe? This version is oddly psychedelic in the best way. Great groove from the Rhythm Devils as well, allowing Jerry to set course and venture out into deep blue waters. Great subtle interplay from the band. Do not miss out on the jam that starts this all! Dripping in electric lysergic ooze. Jerry with Wolf incredibly dangerous.
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 24, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Please show this one more love. Veneta is so awesome and is one of my favorite versions of this song, this one takes you through the celestial hall of the ancients. Through the spacetime continuum you go. Stellar version that 100% gets my upvote.
Bird Song
Aug. 24, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Absolutely soars through the sky. Deserves a TON more love. 8/25 deservedly has more votes but there is a lot to love about this version. Jerry's phrasing is very clear and genuinely bird like. Veneta is a great show, but the run of shows before are really where it's at in my opinion.