headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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coralsandbelow

better off dead

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Submissions

15
Weather Report Suite
Sept. 11, 1973
William and Mary College Hall

Surprised this isn't listed yet. This version is by far the best with the horns, with Jerry and Martin really getting into it with some fiery leads!
10
Cryptical Envelopment
June 5, 1969
Fillmore West

Monster reprise, one of the longest and best ever.
32
Scarlet Begonias
Aug. 6, 1974
Roosevelt Stadium

Unusual and fiery version making up the meat of an otherworldly Playin' sandwich.
19
Cryptical Envelopment
March 2, 1969
Fillmore West

Without question, the best Crypt reprise ever performed. This one reaches the limits of space and time.
18
Scarlet Begonias
March 23, 1974
Cow Palace

First ever Scarlet Begonias. Very unusual sound with a very tentative, bluesy feel, but it's still a keeper and worth hearing for the novelty at least

Comments

Dark Star
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

The pre-verse jams in this version are awesome, constantly shifting in mood and direction, with Billy the Engineer driving the train. Garcia is also very jazzy and bubbly, and takes the jam to some intense heights. The post-verse meltdown is pretty insane, too, and there's an unusual, almost funky segue into Truckin'. Overall, this one easily rivals my favorite spring '73 Dark Star, 3/28.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 28, 1973
Civic Center

Very smooth
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 26, 1973
Kezar Stadium

Absolute GOO. In my top 10 China>Riders, no doubt.
Let It Grow
Sept. 11, 1973
William and Mary College Hall

Definitely the best LIG with the horns, and one of my all-time favorite versions.
Let It Grow
Oct. 21, 1973
Omaha Civic Auditorium

An intense performance from a very underrated show...I wish this was in better sound quality!