headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Mercury

colorful wookie

+6575


Submissions

2
Comes A Time
Aug. 31, 1980
Capitol Center

Emerges within of great sequence of songs, and it’s the second to last one until ‘85
1
Alabama Getaway
Aug. 31, 1980
Capitol Center

Ah, 1980!
5
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
Aug. 31, 1980
Capitol Center

A good source really makes a difference
1
The Other One
June 22, 1969
Central Park

Intense version from Central Park powers through recording quality
1
Dark Star
June 22, 1969
Central Park

Rough listening but shines through the mud with a sustained buildup to the verse and a plunge into the OO
show more submissions

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.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)