headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+751


Submissions

1
Big River
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

Like the breaking of a dam, this just flows at a truly ferocious pace. Jerry is relentless in his playing, the second solo will knock your socks off.
1
It Must Have Been The Roses
May 12, 1974
University of Nevada

Any '74 version of this tune is a treat. Incredibly lovely with great Keith lines. Billy sways.
1
Jack Straw
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Definitive for its time. The soundcheck gave us a preview, here's the full thing. Solid version.
1
Mexicali Blues
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Just a damn near perfect performance. Shocked not to see this one submitted. One of MANY highlights from this show.
1
The Eleven
June 21, 1969
Fillmore East

Stupidly heavy, shades of early heavy metal on this one. Incredible controlled chaos that explores so much. A very tight version.

Comments

Dark Star
June 27, 1969
Veterans Auditorium

Abstract Dark Star. I’ve been digging into these 1969 versions of Dark Star and this one in particular really stands out. Explores many, many themes. This one is harder to talk about and should genuinely be experienced. The band all have something to say, free form ideas that blossom into a cacophony of electrical harmony. A musical debate between everyone in the band, all of them communicating and bringing something new to the table, what a treat.
Terrapin Station
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

Inspiration, move me brightly. Jerry embodies the storyteller. Played with so much passion, and is surrounded by so much love. Transitions into a funky killer Playin’ and as someone who prefers their Playin’s from 72-74, hearing the one that comes after this blew me away. Check out the whole sequence, you won’t regret it.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

The song that got me into the Dead. This version still has a chokehold on me so many years later. Jerry’s solo sections are waterfalls of little stars crashing into the depths of the cosmos. Beautiful sound, listen without the overdubs so you can hear how truly naturally locked in they are in this. Stunning elegance that radiates heavenly energy that makes this version seem from another plant. This is also the single moment they got that transition just right. Doesn’t get better than this,
Jack A Roe
May 6, 1981
Nassau Coliseum

Sick version. My personal go to for some electric jammy sailing. Jack a Roe is so underrated.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Sept. 18, 1987
Madison Square Garden

^will have to check out this show! Always looking for more 80s shows as a 60s early 70s head. Thank you for the recommendations.