headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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parrott56

millennial head

+4714


Submissions

10
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Subtly experimental transition jam seems to hint at “Feelin’ Groovy” without stating the theme outright.
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Just two days before one of the consensus favorites, this version is BLAZING.
7
Mama Tried
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

Deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the other punchy, galloping ’77s.
1
Jack Straw
Sept. 9, 1974
Alexandra Palace

If you’re like me, you love the intensity of these ’74 Jack Straws. This one is not to be missed.
1
Bertha
Sept. 9, 1974
Alexandra Palace

Swinging funk akin to a ’73 TLEO. Different and sharply played.
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Comments

Wharf Rat
Dec. 6, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Wow, this is … where did this come from? Vastly more developed than most other early versions. Edgier and more interesting than many played later.
Loser
Nov. 23, 1973
County Coliseum

There’s a really cruel cut in the middle of this one. When it cuts back in, we’re at the tail end of the solo, and it’s smoking. Oh, well.
Wharf Rat
July 21, 1974
Hollywood Bowl

I love how Bobby incorporates the Truckin’ intro into the Wharf Rat outro.
Let It Grow
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Pretty good, but I don’t think it’s No. 1, even assuming we’re excluding all the WRS versions. Even within fall ’77, I’d say 10/2 is more interesting. I’ll have to give 5/1/81 a listen. I know off the top of my head that 10/19/81 and 5/13/83 kick ass and probably best this one.
Me and My Uncle
July 21, 1974
Hollywood Bowl

Oh my god, the five-headed monster is unstoppable in its devastation in this Me and My Uncle.
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