headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1580


Submissions

7
Monkey and the Engineer
Dec. 31, 1970
Winterland Arena

Jerry's sweet voice is extra sweet & clear during the chorus for this version than the ones from October, 1980.
39
Mason's Children
Jan. 24, 1970
Honolulu Civic Auditorium

Monster Mason's. Can't believe this one isn't here yeat. Cleanest, most coherent version. Jerry's guitar tone is pure gold.
7
Mind Left Body Jam
Oct. 30, 1973
Kiel Auditorium

Sandwiched between a dreamy Dark Star. Not the definitive version perhaps, but it belongs in the discussion.
34
Cold Jordan
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Can believe this one isn't already here! A beautiful version from one of the top five shows ever played.
11
Casey Jones
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Near flawless version from a near flawless tour. The whole band is locked in on the home stretch here, and keith is hammerin' away on those ivories..

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.