headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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NW05

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Submissions

2
Terrapin Station
Feb. 14, 1986
Henry J. Kaiser Center

Jerry screws up the lyrics on Lady With a Fan, but overall this is a pretty good version. The outro jam is pretty unique also.
3
Catfish John
March 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

From GarciaLive 1. Very funky with very good vocals from Jerry. Give it a listen!
2
Mama Tried
Feb. 14, 1986
Henry J. Kaiser Center

Not a very special version, but has some good vocals. Not too rushed either.
2
Big River
Feb. 14, 1986
Henry J. Kaiser Center

It was very rare for the Dead to play a slow River in the 80s, but this is almost ‘74 speed! Love it!
4
Day Job
Oct. 11, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Great version of Day Job coming out of the quintessential Hell in a Bucket. This song has an early Beatles vibe that I really dig.

Comments

Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
June 19, 1976
Capitol Theatre

This version is what truly made me get on the bus for life. Beautiful vocals on this version, especially on Help on the Way. This Slipknot! is tight and spacey. It’s a version you can get totally lost in, and you wouldn’t know where you are until they go into the outro theme into Franklin’s Tower. This Franklin’s is one for the ages. Those opening notes are tremendous and funky, with Keith and Phil layin’ it down, and Jerry soloing all over it. While this Franklin’s is relatively short(9 mins), it’s more than enough to knock your socks off. After the outro, they go into TMNS, which is slow and beautiful, Jerry nailing the opening notes, and Bobby and Donna nail the vocals(always likes how they weren’t always in synch with each other on the vocals). Great Help>Slip!>Franklins>Music. Check out the video of it on YouTube.
Bird Song
Oct. 11, 1983
Madison Square Garden

This is a great Bird Song. This jam is confusing but so tasty. Bobby using his slide and Jerry and Brent going at it the whole time. This is a Bird Song for the ages. Great show as a whole, but this is a highlight, along with the Bertha>Jam>China Doll
Bird Song
July 15, 1984
Greek Theatre - University of California

This is a great opener with Dancin’. Love Jerry’s vocals on this version, which were very hit or miss from 83 to 87. The jam is as confusing and beautiful as any Bird Song jam from the 80s. Great version
Althea
March 15, 1990
Capital Centre

Wow. Great version from Without a Net. Teared up a little listening to it.
Uncle John's Band
March 27, 1987
Civic Center

I really love this version. When they went into the jam, my jaw dropped. It was as if they went into a different song, as they finished the verse, and just jumped right into the jam. Love this version; great show!