headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1580


Submissions

1
Loser
Oct. 30, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

Best Loser you haven’t heard yet! Jerry takes the solo for an extra walk around the block! Required listening folks!
1
Candyman
March 7, 1981
Cole Field House

Jerry’s tone is just impeccable here! Moreover, Jerry adds a tad more umph to the soulful vocals. A standout of the era!
2
Big River
Oct. 21, 1973
Omaha Civic Auditorium

Blazing version, but I nominated it primarily for its placement within the context of the tasty Playin'->Half-Step->Big River->Playin' sandwich.
3
Deal
June 30, 1973
Universal Amphitheatre

Jerry's pipes never sounded sweeter, and Keith's barrel-house piano chops complements perfectly!
6
Deal
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

Deserves mention.
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Comments

Loser
Oct. 30, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

Really can’t believe this one slipped through the cracks somehow, as I write this in November of 2025. Best sleeper loser of the century!
The Music Never Stopped
May 13, 1978
The Spectrum

I hadn’t heard this version until I finally received the 6 lp box version of ‘The Music Never Stopped’. After repeated listens, I have to say it belongs in the conversation with the most lauded versions from ‘78 (and ‘77). I’ll have to tip my hat to Dave for this one, and I can only image this one climbing higher in the rankings once more people hear it.
Franklin's Tower
Sept. 1, 1979
Holleder Memorial Stadium

I love this tune, but sometimes it can wear out it's welcome. Length of tune does not always equate to "better version". This here reading is nice; it's compact & economical, achieves the jams it needs, and gets out! Easy upvote from me. I think it's better, overall, than its more famous Cape Cod cousins.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 1, 1979
Holleder Memorial Stadium

The back half really takes off!
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 1, 1979
Holleder Memorial Stadium

I'd rate this Scarlet as just OK; it's a bit unfocused and sluggish to my ears, but the Fire is really emotive and charged. The AUD source(s) really captures the synergy between the boys & the crowd.
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