headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Mercury

colorful wookie

+6575


Submissions

1
Passenger
May 11, 1979
Billerica Forum

Yeah, this one's good too, with Jer hittin' the mogul-run leads cleanly
2
Bertha
May 13, 1973
Iowa State Fairgrounds

Slower tempo gives room to move; Phil especially active
4
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 13, 1973
Iowa State Fairgrounds

Slice of '73, great Bob and Keith in transition; seems like cleaner copy is in vault...
2
Wharf Rat
May 9, 1979
Broome County Arena

Tiptoes in, soars high, finishes with force
4
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
March 31, 1991
Greensboro Coliseum

Welcome back, Bruce
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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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