headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24523


Submissions

4
Ramble On Rose
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Faster than usual tempo with just a brilliant Jerry bridge jam and no missed lyrics make this one a not-to-be-missed version.
14
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
54
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.
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Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 16, 1989
The Mecca

Such a groovy '89 rendition-not sure why it isn't much higher on the board. Brent shines especially in Fire with some great creative fills & Garcia doesn't miss a lyric. Sleeper pick here.
West L.A. Fadeaway
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Best early incarnation version I've ever heard--hands down. Would rank it overall only behind Alpine '89 and maybe Copps '90--maybe.
Althea
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Realizing "this is too low" comments are ubiquitous up and down the board but some of them are actually understatements--hoping you'll take the time to listen to this version & rank this among them. Garcia's in full control on this one--every lyric nailed, the solos are spellbinding and it's played at perfect tempo--a bit faster than the early 80s versions but not too fast--allowing plenty of funky accents in the bridge jamming--and Bobby's rhythm is sublime. Such a great great underrated version right here at less than 10 votes when I decided to pipe up about it.
Candyman
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Why are we not talking about and up-voting this spectacular version? Just listen to Jerry's vocal commitment in the opening verse -- "Come all you pretty womenzzzz..." & later when the whiskey gets passed around he's all over it with a beaut of a guitar solo as well. Oughta be much higher
Ship of Fools
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

Ridiculously ignored version with a fully engaged Garcia vocal, great Donna harmonies, and beautiful playing throughout. Crazy this doesn't have more votes.
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