headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Mercury

colorful wookie

+6575


Submissions

2
Jack Straw
April 1, 1993
Nassau Coliseum

Bolt upright opener (strong Hinko sbd)
2
Estimated Prophet
April 29, 1977
The Palladium

Still youthful and svelte, each of these early Prophet jams carve into new spaces
7
Estimated Prophet
March 20, 1977
Winterland Arena

Filter attack on the bridge, contrasts well with the burst-into-flames version from the night before
1
Bird Song
Nov. 13, 1987
Long Beach Arena

Clean and exploratory, with active Brent, yet not as telepathic as others
1
Bertha
Nov. 13, 1987
Long Beach Arena

Quite enthusiastic/ recording is crip --- test me, test me... BOOM!
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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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