headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Mercury

colorful wookie

+6575


Submissions

1
Estimated Prophet
May 16, 1978
Uptown Theater

Climbs, builds, jumps off and soars
1
Jack Straw
May 16, 1978
Uptown Theater

Comin' right atcha
2
Sugar Magnolia
July 16, 1972
Dillon Stadium

Especially the way the peak jam returns at the end of the Sunshine Daydream
1
The Other One
Oct. 9, 1972
Winterland Arena

Hinted after Truckin’, we first get a Phil throwdown solo before the launch into the compact and innovative O1 journey
2
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 20, 1983
Providence Civic Center

Hey, check this one out!
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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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