headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Mercury

colorful wookie

+6575


Submissions

1
Passenger
May 10, 1980
Hartford Civic Center

Crack> rising line drive -- outta here!
6
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 21, 1983
Frost Amphitheater

Punctilious transition; fine Rider solos around different verse placement
4
Big Railroad Blues
Aug. 21, 1983
Frost Amphitheater

Over the top.
4
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Feb. 21, 1991
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium

Inventive grooves in this solid workout
2
New Minglewood Blues
June 4, 1977
The Forum

Dang! A sbd would really put this into orbit, with the likes of 5/7 (with all respect to the quality aud) )
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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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