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

Black Throated Wind
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Gotta give it up for this one. So crisp and just exactly perfect. Sounds almost like it's right off of ACE but w/the added emotion and push of the live performance.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Oct. 14, 1977
Hofheinz Pavilion

Hey Sleuth i'd go further and say Fall '77 surpasses spring (OK, by barely a nose, but still)...I just think the fall tour had more of a rocking edge to it than spring did w/out losing any of the precision of the spring shows. 10/29/77 (all of it), 11/6/77 (Truckin',), October shows like this one and 10/7 (WharfRat/Sugar Mag) and of course the whole end of year Winterland run, are just phenomenal, peak performances.
Eyes Of The World
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

I'm only whining about this yet again b/c I'm writing this on the 37th anniversary of its debut, on 5/18/14. To beat the proverbial "dead" horse, this is too damn good to be wallowing at (as of now) 4 votes.
Dark Star
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

It really sounded different to me than any MLB type jam I've heard. Something just unique about it, and so ridiculously sweet. The whole experience listening to it thru just floored me. (It was the perfect other companion while taking a long hike thru the woods with real Grendel.) Next project is Rotterdam, altho I don't know how to get it since I don't have the full E'72 trunk set. Maybe I'll purchase that individual show if u think it's worth it.
Greatest Story Ever Told
May 7, 1972
Bickershaw Festival

New order for my top 3 has this one moved up to 2d place, behind 9/28/72 but ahead of Veneta. Jam in this one's just too good.
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