headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Mercury

colorful wookie

+6575


Submissions

2
Big Railroad Blues
June 21, 1983
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Another 83er slapped around in extended fashion
2
Playin' In The Band
March 30, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

Opens the gate...
1
Promised Land
March 22, 1973
Utica Memorial Auditorium

Pulls the starter cord and off we go…
1
Uncle John's Band
March 21, 1971
Exposition Center

Where does the time go?
3
China Doll
March 19, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Just wow.
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Comments

Jack Straw
Aug. 4, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Center

Interesting observation (applies to other songs/ works both ways, e.g. jam extended, jam shortened). Often occurs gradually, but not necessarily. The kite string definitely runs out aways on 7/31 too, but this period seems to be a turning point. So many previous versions you wonder why it gets 'cut down' so quickly. In any case, yeah, Jer's solos scale a chain of high peaks here.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Oct. 1, 1976
Market Square Arena

This one's 43 yo today and still my favorite. So many reasons... but Jerry's leads are just so inventive, creative, and varied.
Not Fade Away
Feb. 13, 1970
Fillmore East

No longer off my radar! +1
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 2, 1978
Giants Stadium

High ranking version for me. Countless listens. Although the verse is omitted, one interpretation is “let’s just get right to the jamming” – and this take has one of the best breaks ever. The transition is like no other… another life-altering journey for this puppy.
New Minglewood Blues
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

One of those glitches seems to keep this from the main list. But you don't need a lawn sign on your way home that says vote for this one. Phreggin' Ragin'/ haven't found another that tops the energy.
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