headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

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Submissions

1
Ship of Fools
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

1974 and Ship of Fools go together like peanut butter and jelly. Full of emotion. They're really giving their all in this.
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.
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Comments

The Other One
Dec. 19, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

Sounds like Trumpets from Hell. Jerry at one point channeling Miles through his guitar with that screeching vortex beam that he plays. Especially in the beginning you can hear the effect the Miles Davis electric era has had on the Band. The band is melting and altering brain chemistry with this one, just utterly dark and lysergic. Feels structured in an odd way despite how free form it is. Shades of Sun Ra towards the end as well. Just a brutal version that follows brilliantly from Nobody's fault but Mine into a much needed, tranquil yet powerful, self reflective Stella Blue. A Broken Angel really sang from a guitar that night. Real mind bender.
Eyes Of The World
Aug. 6, 1974
Roosevelt Stadium

Glad out of all the versions, this is on top. Just perfect what else is there to say. Unique.
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 19, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

A swirly majestic modal masterpiece of a performance. Does not lose focus at all like most Playin's and moves in and out of themes at lightning speed. Almost like they're jumping in and out of different dimensions taking a peak, just a glimpse of what's out there. Exploratory and fun. Great pick Carrion. love your reviews.
Weather Report Suite
Dec. 19, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

This was the first Weather Report Suite I ever listened to. So funny listening back today because I realized I don't give this version nearly as much love as I should. While the performance of this suite night before is a true gem, I adore the ferocious licks Jerry throws out there during the E minor jam towards the end. A great version that opened up my imagination.
Here Comes Sunshine
Dec. 19, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

As good as it gets. This performance has earned its stripes in Grateful Dead history and is more than worthy of this top spot. I used to prefer the more mellow and breezy Here Comes Sunshine, but I always come back to this version. The whole band is so encouraging of Jerry letting him cover so much ground. This performance moves me a lot and makes me very emotional. Dick’s Picks 1 was also one of the very first records that helped me open my eyes to what this band was about. This has that “it factor” a stunning piece of improvised musical space and explorative psychedelia.
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