headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

isles

JERRY BAND!

+2047


Submissions

2
Space
Oct. 28, 1979
Cape Cod Coliseum

Synth alien space into Stella Blue. Really cool effects from Bobby and Brent. Listen to this show.
6
Viola Lee Blues
Nov. 29, 1966
The Matrix

Impressive soloing and unique guitar tones from Jerry and Bobby. Pure lysergic goodness. 1966 headiness.
4
Easy Answers
June 26, 1993
RFK Stadium

Vince plays synth organ instead of those terrible horns. Similar to killer versions played by Bob later in Ratdog (when this song really got good).
15
Box of Rain
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Tight playing, excellent vocals, polished performance. Summer of '73 in Portland—who could ask for more?
23
Shakedown Street
July 9, 1989
Giants Stadium

Epic Shakedown. Starts with lyric flubs by Brent and Bob, but rages onward to headiness.

Comments

Mason's Children
Jan. 2, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

Not sure how this version isn't recognized as the best. The Bobby and Jerry trade-off solos are incredible. Vocal harmonies are tight, performance is face-stealing. This is the only version I've heard that sticks out to me. Jerry hip and jammy. Phil chose it for his Fallout from the Phil Zone release.
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
July 4, 1989
Rich Stadium

For a long time I hardly listened to any tapes from the '80s, until I heard this performance on Truckin' Up to Buffalo. That album/dvd opened me up to late '80s - '90s Dead. Incredible Jerry solos and blazin' organ from Brent.
Deal
July 4, 1989
Rich Stadium

Best version of Deal, even better than Alpine. Jerry's solo is just hot.
West L.A. Fadeaway
July 19, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Jerry's vocals are lacking some of the soul and inflection present in other versions, but as an instrumental performance, this is definitely top 3. My favorite latter-era song. Also, these were some of the last shows where Jerry used Tiger exclusively. He would switch to Wolf 2 at the start of the fall tour. What a great send off given to us by that beautiful instrument. Alpine, Cal Expo, and The Greek '89.
Lost Sailor -> Saint of Circumstance
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Contains the coolest "How 'bout you? What the FUCK you gonna do?" outro. Great show.