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.

Comments

Here Comes Sunshine
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

Jerry day dreams in the hot summer sun. A psychedelic odyssey which enters mountainous terrain. Underrated version.
Cumberland Blues
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Carrion once again with a perfect description for this rocking kickass version. Feels like this trains going to derail any second but it’s the fine line between chaos and order that really makes this one. One of the best ever for me, aggressive and triumphant, while raging through the whole song. Amazing.
Cumberland Blues
Nov. 15, 1971
The Austin Municipal Auditorium

The best of the best. Hold on because this relentless version of Cumberland Blues never loses energy and takes your right down the mines. Keith is jangling away, a country blues ragtime riff envelopes the song and the energy resonates with the whole band. Jerry is on FIRE, laying down licks and creating incredibly rhythmic interplay between everyone. Vocals are on, the playing is creative, easily one of my favorites and a staple in my listening rotation. I recommend 10/31/71, 9/24/72, and 6/23/74 for some incredible rockin’ versions of this tune as well.
Dark Star
Nov. 15, 1971
The Austin Municipal Auditorium

My personal favorite Dark Star>El Paso. The jamming that ensues after El Paso is so macabre and spacey I love it. This one is one of the most unique I’ve ever heard and a cool example of how Keith truly changed the dynamic of the band. Classic show, classic Dark Star. Can never go wrong.
China Cat Sunflower
June 5, 1969
Fillmore West

Late 60s China Cats are becoming a new favorite for me. This one is so acid drenched your headphones might actually melt off. Sick transition into Sittin’ on Top of The World to top off, this one’s just plain sick.