headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24533


Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.
show more submissions

Comments

Candyman
Dec. 27, 1977
Winterland Arena

Need a rally here for this one. Flows like liquid from Jerry's fingers and his voice is as stated above in fine delicate form here. There's a ton of great Candymans but some get lost in the shuffle and we need to pull this ace of the deck and show it around.
The Music Never Stopped
Oct. 2, 1976
Riverfront Arena

Adding upvote as well solely for the MLB mini-jam which works so beautifully here and makes this one unique. (At least I can't think of another version that does this--if anyone knows of one please direct me to it)--but this is a gem of an idea & is pulled off so well before they start jamming the more traditional way at the end. Very good version beyond that btw but the MLB jam is an upvote worthy easter egg
Bird Song
Aug. 12, 1972
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

Good as advertised--if you like spacey gooey jammed out Birdsongs this one is waiting for you with open wings
Jack Straw
Oct. 18, 1983
Cumberland County Civic Center

Awesome reverb/whammy effects into & out of the final stanza--as mentioned above this is some of Bob's finest rhythm work you'll ever hear on this tune. Under the radar version from an equally underappreciated show
Might As Well
Oct. 2, 1976
Riverfront Arena

Super tight version most notable for A+ vocals by Jerry--not always his strong point-- but belts this one out & lyrics all nailed down here... new DaP53 has Keith up in the mix and sounding great too. End jam is a little clunky if you wanna take off a quarter point (not nearly as rocked out as 10/29/77 by comparison) but this is one of the cleanest renditions of the tune I've ever heard. Def. worth some more votes
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)