headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+751


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

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 3, 1979
Market Square Arena

This is a great late 70s China Rider. There aren't many either and this might be the best out of all of them. Jerry feels really comfortable exploring the song in a new light and his enthusiasm shines through in his playing too. Phil is stomping is way through the transition onto Rider. Great version in my opinion. You can also hear everyone quite well!
Jack A Roe
Nov. 20, 1978
Cleveland Music Hall

Oh wow. A jam opening up the second set leading into Jack a Roe? This version is oddly psychedelic in the best way. Great groove from the Rhythm Devils as well, allowing Jerry to set course and venture out into deep blue waters. Great subtle interplay from the band. Do not miss out on the jam that starts this all! Dripping in electric lysergic ooze. Jerry with Wolf incredibly dangerous.
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 24, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Please show this one more love. Veneta is so awesome and is one of my favorite versions of this song, this one takes you through the celestial hall of the ancients. Through the spacetime continuum you go. Stellar version that 100% gets my upvote.
Bird Song
Aug. 24, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Absolutely soars through the sky. Deserves a TON more love. 8/25 deservedly has more votes but there is a lot to love about this version. Jerry's phrasing is very clear and genuinely bird like. Veneta is a great show, but the run of shows before are really where it's at in my opinion.
Dark Star
March 23, 1972
Academy of Music

I really need to immerse myself in this run of shows. A beautiful demented early 70s Dark Star that explores fungal infested terrain. This one feels haunted, a very freeform exploratory version that covers a whole bunch of themes. A beautiful display of Avant Garde musicianship from the boys on this one. Watch out for that glorious harmonious jam near the end that hints at MLB and then falls into Feelin' Groovy. I'll call this one 4/8/72's distant cousin from across the pond. Seriously love that first jam before the first verse. Leaves a lot of room for themes to explore later on. Highly recommend. PS:Small China Cat tease near the end before the last verse? let me know if anyone hears that or if I'm digging too deep lol