headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.
show more submissions

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

and a killer reprise as well. Time I added my vote to this one. Could do so w/virtually every song they played this night,
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
June 26, 1974
Providence Civic Center

Hey Dude420 I'm gonna do the same with a lot of the DP chart toppers here. I used to just take it in face value that an official release would have to be best sounding but sometimes that's not the case at all and a good matrix recording delivers a better punch and puts certain songs in a much better light. I like almost all the choices for those DP releases but I think some sound a little flat at times esp. vol. 1 and even vol. 3 which are both great shows.
Bertha
May 5, 1977
New Haven Coliseum

^^^^This one is very good but if you haven't yet, try 10-29-77. Jerry's mid jam solo winds up for an extra go around and takes you places that'll blow your senses.
The Music Never Stopped
July 3, 1978
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

Merryjerry has it right. Box set highlights these very underrated shows (except for 7/8/78 which gets all the attention) and this version is just one example of a song that deserves a higher ranking along with the show itself.
Here Comes Sunshine
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

I'll go against the grain here and say I really don't care for the space noodling attached to this otherwise fine version. The HCS itself is quite grand but the long section following gets tedious to these ears pretty quick, and the only really good thing about it is the transition into Bobby McGee which is beautiful. No upvote here, though, as there are many other versions from this era that hold up just as well and don't drift aimlessly around before getting to something more interesting. I'd rather hear a good self contained HCS, I suppose, and there are many to choose from.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)