headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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Submissions

1
St. Stephen
June 21, 1969
Fillmore East

Phil joyously expresses himself on this. A gun shot is heard on this one signaling a jam, and the William Tell Bridge is really well played. Excellent
1
Space
June 20, 1974
The Omni

Sandwiched between Truckin’ and Eyes, this jam takes me to checkerboard floors and red curtains. Deserves its own place. Unique Jerry lines.
2
It Must Have Been The Roses
June 20, 1974
The Omni

I adore any version of this tune. This one is particularly joyful and full of life.
1
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 15, 1969
Lanai Theater

Bouncy as it is lysergic. Unique phrasing from Jerry. Everybody’s vocals are on. The Rider is some pure country fried jamming if I’ve ever heard it.
1
Turn On Your Love Light
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

This is The Dead at peak performance level. Cataclysmic version. Everyone is ON. Explorative and not a beat missed. Easily top 5 of 69.
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

The transition jam is some truly heavy stuff. Like being pulled into an event horizon through the sheer gravitational force of it. I used to dismiss this version but upon returning to it, is one of the most unique versions out there. Jerry is the de facto leader of this jam as well. Captain trips isn’t a title that’s easily obtained, yet here he shows us exactly why he’s called that.
Feel Like A Stranger
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Just completely flows. The entire band is on, but specially for the era, I gotta give Jerry his flowers. He absolutely takes over, taking this song to higher peaks. Neon jamming. Absolutely awesome. The 80s has some amazing moments. Also have been digging 11/30/80 as of late.
Dark Star
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Ancient dinosaur jams. An incredibly powerful and prehistoric 6/8 groove that’s the absolute synthesis of King Solomon’s. This takes you right back to the Triassic era. Evolution, and extinction, all cultivated into a primal wail that can be heard across the cosmos. Keith and Billy come crashing in like a meteorite, bringing forth Death, and dissolution. Mirrors shatter and molecules dissolve. A time forgotten by history, an ancient trauma too painful to remember. Seriously, what a Dark Star. Also Carrion, well said. You and your wonderful reviews make this site what it is.
Good Lovin'
May 25, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Very surprised to see this with very few votes. Jerry on Organ for the first half and then they decide to take a deep dive into the cosmos, and everything suddenly becomes infinite. The boys really were in their prime, they could take these songs anywhere. Beautiful space jazz.
Dark Star
Jan. 2, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

Where are my Dark Star heads at? I would love to hear your guy's favorite versions. Giving this one a spin and I'll be honest, my anxiety is a little rough today, and this did the trick. The Feelin Groovy>Tighten Up is real sound medicine. Filmore audiences were treated, a NYE show with Hendrix, then The Dead the next day. What a place to have been. This gets my vote for the sheer musicianship and how utterly endearing this music feels. Glorious and harmonious.
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