headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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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
March 20, 1981
Rainbow Theater

Total winner right here--thick, jammy Scarlet with a fantastic transition into a rippin' Fire. Sounds amazing on the new release. Rhythm Devils especially come out slugging in the end coda jam to fire - sick slick version right here that deserves to shoot way up the ladder
They Love Each Other
Dec. 8, 1973
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke U

Bump needed here. It's understandable how this could get lost in a sea of great versions from this year but this one's worthy of seeking out. Perfect funky pacing and a great jam in the middle. Jer plays w/the bridge lyric a bit: "every song I'm singing I heard it first from you" instead of the usual line. Should at least be dub-digits here.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Aug. 5, 1979
Oakland Auditorium Arena

weaknesses in the Scarlet yes, but upping this because I can't recall another version in which the transition into Fire recalls the main Scarlet theme so prominently and once they get into Fire Jerry gets down to it with some great fuzzy gritty notes on the intro and everyone else kinda falls into that sweet Fire pocket--unique for sure as NFA sez and worth a boost on the board
Row Jimmy
Sept. 9, 1974
Alexandra Palace

^^^^Not necessarily "more" relaxing but for being definitely in that sweet/mellow wheelhouse I'd recommend 9/18/74 and the lesser known but equally as beautiful 7/25/74
Ramble On Rose
Feb. 1, 1978
Uptown Theatre

More proof this board works. Never knew of this version (much less what looks like a pretty cool show--i'll have to dive in) until i saw the recent recs--much thanks--and yeah this is a grand ol' Jerry having a blast belting it out barn burner with the hard edged rock em sock em rhythm devils backing you got in '78. 2 pretty nice board sources available too--worth checking out
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