headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

13
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
52
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.
13
Gloria
Oct. 16, 1981
Melkweg

Bobby's birthday at the world famous Melkeweg. Yummy brownies make this version extra special.
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Comments

Me and My Uncle
May 10, 1969
Rose Palace

Oh heck yeah this is the "Now for something completely different" MAMU you've been looking for...extra twangy guitar from Jerry--a raucous, barroom brawlin' version with so much more swagger than the usual suspect first set fodder we associate (admit it) with this tune in the 1980s. This version brings the tune to life, true to its gritty down n dirty rock-country origins.
Tennessee Jed
June 23, 1990
Autzen Stadium

Two things are necessary for a truly great T-Jed: 1) Jerry needs to nail all the lyrics & sing 'em, with gusto--check, and 2) the wind-up jam has to be epic--double check. You can't ask for much more with this version--the underrated highlight from set 1 of this fine show. Crazy this version isn't into double digits yet.
He's Gone
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Jerry's "smile smile SMIIIIILLLE"!!" line alone should be enough to get this one higher up the ladder but the whole thing is deserving with Garcia completely dialed in to every lyric, some great jamming and a beautiful coda backed up by Brent's perfecto harmonies. Kind of at a loss as to why so many songs from this incredible show are so low on the list. Forget the novelty of the poorly played Revolution encore and check out the "ordinary" songs from this show b/c they're anything but that.
Truckin'
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Another far better than its current ranking & in need of bumpage. Great ensemble vocals on this one...nice jam after the lyrics
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Gobs better than I remembered it being. New box set revealing how great these MSG shows were -- most especially the two nights from '83
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