headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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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

Loser
May 14, 1974
Adams Field House, U of Montana

Top 10 show for me. Locked in is an understatement. The feeling of knowing everybody’s little idiosyncrasies and feeding into that is a feeling that persists this entire show, such great pure energy, the band sounds happy and can do whatever the hell they want. They're ALL on. This Loser is beautiful and haunting, a mellow phenomenal groove.
Morning Dew
May 11, 1972
Rotterdam Civic Hall

Carrion sometimes I think we have the same brain when it comes to the Dead. I also have disregarded this show for a while only to realize how much energy it’s packed with and how creative this set actually is. I don’t know why I ignored it or didn’t give it a chance for so long, maybe because of all the high praise I hear, but after a listening session not too long ago this show quickly rose up in best ever. Phenomenal Morning Dew.
To Lay Me Down
Oct. 18, 1980
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Moving and cathartic. Super underrated and deserves more love for its healing qualities alone.
China Doll
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

Was thinking about this particular version a lot today. I didn’t even realize it was the top version. It deserves it. It takes you to a really comforting place if you’re in need of some healing. Heavy and beautiful. Like crystals in a cavern.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Flawless, enchanting and witchy China>Rider. My personal favorite version. Tranquil yet holds a lot of power. Will instantly put you in a trance, further evidence that magic really does exist. Coming out of a Chimera of a Dark Star, this spellbinding version takes you places you'd never thought you'd be able to go before. Inspiring and timeless, the entire Dark Star>China>Rider feels like a seance. Just perfect.
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