headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+747


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

Caution
March 22, 1972
Academy of Music

I’m floored. A relentless jammed out roaring psychedelic wonder. 72 was such a creative peak. You cannot beat this. Gets hellish and apocalyptic at the end with some of the most interlocked and tight playing I’ve ever heard from the band. Highly recommend and deserves far more upvotes. Like descending into the underworld and emerging from the destruction like a Phoenix from the ashes. That ending jam is like a sunny blue sky after days of rain and you’re able to catch the sun right before it sets. This is why I love the Dead.
Playin' In The Band
March 26, 1972
Academy of Music

Call me crazy, but I genuinely prefer these shorter versions from the 20-40 minute monsters that this lovely song is known for. I adore the jammed out spacey versions, but there’s something about these early versions of the song that have such character and originality. Maybe it’s because they’re synthesizing the main ideas for the song right on the spot, but they’re packed with such energy and wastes no time saying what they want to say. Brilliant cosmic attacks. A key turning point in the evolution of this sonic exploration. Shooting stars.
Turn On Your Love Light
March 25, 1972
Academy of Music

Where has this been hiding all this time? Some funky and creative rhythmic lines from Bobby make the first jam. Pigpen is a man possessed. Imagine the band if Pipgpen were healthy post Europe 72? Imagine the fall 72 Lovelight jams and Good Lovin’s. Enough of the daydreams, this version is guaranteed to have you stomping your feet in no time. Funky and full of power. The jams are where it’s at. Get ready for a locomotive journey. Pigpen feels good ladies and gentlemen and we all reap the benefits of such a momentous occasion.
The Other One
Sept. 23, 1972
Palace Theater

Not as bad of a Cryptical as some may say. Sloppy? Yes. Forgets the words? You bet, but does it sound horrible? Far from it. If you used a Geiger Counter on this it’s numbers would be off the charts. Area 51 jamming that takes you deep. Super cool version from an already great year.
Eyes Of The World
March 29, 1984
Marin County Veterans Auditorium

Came across this show randomly, and definitely not bad for 84 by any means! Cool ideas from Jerry, definitely not perfect but I love that they actually let some unique creative ideas fly out and soar and let it all hang loose.