headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Mercury

colorful wookie

+6575


Submissions

4
Stella Blue
Aug. 20, 1972
San Jose Civic Auditorium

Oh yeah, this song is finding its way, being well-placed after the O1 and featuring affirming vocals
2
Throwing Stones
Aug. 27, 1983
Seattle Center Coliseum

A great revisit to when it was more exploratory and less predictable
3
Friend of the Devil
July 21, 1990
World Music Theatre

Brent! Daze Between
4
One More Saturday Night
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Phil-bop-and-crush to end an epic (DS-CC) show
5
Jack Straw
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Highly exemplary of the era
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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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