headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

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.
show more submissions

Comments

Satisfaction
Aug. 8, 1982
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

How have I not heard this before? The Wang Dang riff near the end is priceless and the whole version rocks. Bob at his rock star best.
Greatest Story Ever Told
March 31, 1973
War Memorial

Come for the mini Stephen jam, stay for the mellow flow and funk that makes this one a keeper.
Row Jimmy
May 16, 1978
Uptown Theater

So glad I checked this out whereas I normally dismiss AUD only sources (admitted SBD snob) but this is an A+ AUD recording & more importantly an outstanding version of one of my all time favorite Dead tunes--silky, flowing --lots of nice little additions by Keith in a year when he was sometimes MIA... Jerry's solos are deep and rich and not to be missed. Played at a slightly faster clip than many other versions too so if you're put off by some of the slower paced RJ's do yourself a favor and check in on this one. Hiding in plain sight and really worthy of some increased listening : https://archive.org/details/gd78-05-16.akg.weiner.8333.sbeok.shnf?webamp=default
He's Gone
May 16, 1978
Uptown Theater

It's true you've never heard a He'sGone intro quite like this one...loose and jangly and spilling into the main theme only after taking a walk-about around differently-angled accents...settles in nicely after that and flows along as many of the greats do. Fine sleeper pick and worthy of upvoting.
Candyman
Sept. 3, 1980
Civic Center

I am floored by the smoky silkiness of Jerry's vocals in this perfecto version that should be listened to en masse and upvoted accordingly...delicate, spider-thread notes float from Garcia's fingers and the Brent-backed harmonies are the icing on the cake.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)