headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

4
Ramble On Rose
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Faster than usual tempo with just a brilliant Jerry bridge jam and no missed lyrics make this one a not-to-be-missed version.
14
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.
54
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.
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Comments

Pretty Peggy O
April 14, 1978
Cassell Coliseum - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The solo on this one is just transcending, and a little bit longer than most. Instead of Jerry returning to the verse after the "high point" conclusion of his solo, he re-enters the gentle main theme for a bit, letting everyone settle down, before continuing on to the final 3 verses. Just extraordinary stuff.
Bertha
June 7, 1977
Winterland Arena

Needs to move up! Everything you want from a Bertha, and a perfect way to start a classic show
Jack Straw
Oct. 10, 1980
Warfield Theater

I don't care where this one ends up but it can't stay here (4 votes with mine just added.) This is a rip roaring version that builds to several peaks before the final Wichita verse comes crashing down. I know this show gets all its attention for the acoustic set but if you ignore this A+ electric JS it's truly your loss. I recommend the Matrix available... best sound around for a show with few high quality sound options. UP IT!
Dark Star
Jan. 17, 1969
Civic Auditorium

Yes! My favorite kind of Dark Star...more music, less dissonance. To each his own, but these more music-oriented '69 versions are my go-to's. (10/25/69 still my #1 fave,)
Terrapin Station
July 8, 1978
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Great show & version indeed. Should be higher. 1/22/78 gets most of the attention from this year but this one's along the same lines.
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