headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

isles

JERRY BAND!

+1962


Submissions

7
Feel Like A Stranger
Oct. 4, 1980
Warfield Theater

Lots of great versions of this song, but the Dead Set one is in pure Go To Heaven form. Brent's synth work is amazing.
3
Mexicali Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Unreal this hasn't been submitted yet. The version from Steppin Out. Like Garcia is reading off sheet music for the solos. Outstanding version.
6
Drums
May 26, 1993
Cal Expo

Wha? This isn't on here? Clocking in at 36:25 following the insane PITB. Keeps your attention all the way through. Very good MIDI by Mickey.
9
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 7, 1971
Golden Hall

The DP 35 houseboat tapes version is very hot for '71. Great interplay between the band, Phil Bombs.
3
Stagger Lee
July 1, 1979
Seattle Center Coliseum

Huge peak in the outro solo. Bobby does the space slide and Jerry just plucks away. Hot early Brent show.

Comments

Weather Report Suite
May 19, 1974
Portland Memorial Coliseum

I've been round and round quite a few WRS performances, but this one clearly stands out. Keith is ridiculously on point, switching between his big grand and Fender Rhodes. Every note or chord he drops in is totally intentional, and Garcia meets the challenge in a big way. Billy drives everything with just the right beats, and Bob and Phil color it in. But you will find yourself just totally locked in on Jerry and Keith. This one will take you there. (Be sure to set aside some time for this, because the WRS is 17:58 and you will most definitely get sucked into the incredible Wharf Rat ahead. Mind-melting transition, and then Jerry really belts it out.)
The Wheel
Sept. 28, 1976
Onondaga County War Memorial

Always liked this track, Half-Step, and Dancin' from this DP.
High Time
Sept. 23, 1976
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke U

Sing it, Donna! Flawless vocals, ethereal performance. Too bad this show is completely missing from the vault, and whoever made off with the reels must have never made copies. Or maybe it was just one of those rare fluke shows that didn't get recorded from the board?
Big River
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Yeah, the early '80s cowboy songs usually feel a little artificially rushed. Sniff. But Jerry cranks the volume knob on this.
Me and My Uncle
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Brent does some great work on the Rhodes piano throughout. Jerry really works it out on "Big River." Continue listening past this pairing to a mind-altering "Peggy-O."