headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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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.
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Had to come here again to praise this incredible piece of music. One of the most well played China->Riders I’ve ever heard. I adore Jerry’s playing on this one. There are some wailing licks during the transition into Rider that really make this one for me. The band is taking the song wherever it wants to go. Really great rendition.
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Donna is awesome on this. Transitions right into Bertha so seamlessly. Great version.
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Incredibly intense. Not your entry level Playin’. One of the most densely packed jams you’ll hear in a year of already great Playin’s. This one is powerful, spiritual, and takes you through space and the ever expanding cosmos. Cataclysmic and free. Erupting with energy and reaches the very edge of the universe. one of the best I’ve ever heard. A very unique standout version that quickly became a new favorite that I’m going to listen to over, and over again. One of my all time favorite shows.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Hidden gem for sure. During Jerry’s solo I think I hear Jerry quote the chorus of “Patches” by Clarence Carter. I know it’s a similar melody so if anyone else has heard it somewhere else please let me know! Really tight version that’s genuinely up there with the best of 72. Great show.
Let It Grow
May 25, 1974
Campus Stadium, UCSB

I think the whole band was shocked they ended up here lol. Once they find their footing, which doesn’t take long, they lift off into the cosmos, using the music to visit different dimensions and spaces while using their energy to keep it all going. Relentless jamming that’s too hot to put out. A fiery performance that cools down into a space that seems to hint at Dark Star, but Jerry decides he’s had enough of space and rightfully goes into Wharf Rat. Stellar version. What a sequence, don’t forget to start at Truckin’. Hell you can even start at Tennessee Jed it’s so darn good!
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