headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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.

Comments

The Race Is On
May 3, 1986
Cal Expo

Candidate for best show of '86, which is like being the fastest kid in the slow-runner's race...but still, this IS probably the best electric version of Race Is On I've ever heard. They nail it. Jerry's backing vocals alone are worth the price of admission on this one--he sounds great.
Wharf Rat
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

True on all counts.
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

In typical Bob fashion he overdoes it on the final note, elongating his vocal way past the point where it shoulda ended, but so what? Everything up til that moment is him belting out every word with gusto and passion and it's a top shelf rendition that's got to be upvoted!
When I Paint My Masterpiece
March 25, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena

D'oh! See 10/11/89
Althea
Oct. 27, 1991
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Didn't think I'd find any Althea's post-'89 I'd like this much, Bruce's little rag-time fills in the opening section are awesome and the punctuation guitar shots thrown in for good measure are pretty cool too. Upvote worthy.