headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic
12
Brown Eyed Women
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Gotta check out the "small" songs in legendary shows like this as well as the usual suspects! Check out Jerry's utterly perfect bridge jam & be in awe
22
Bird Song
Sept. 22, 1993
Madison Square Garden

If you don't know Saxophonist David Murray, here's a good way to find out how great he is. This is one stellar Birdsong that flew under the radar here
19
They Love Each Other
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Is there anything prettier, sweeter or more sublimely lovely than Keith's piano in this version? You decide. This TLEO is incredible.
56
Sugaree
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

New #1 favorite. Slightly more compact than other amazing '77 versions & so a bit more focused. 2d Garcia solo has no equal.
show more submissions

Comments

Estimated Prophet
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

I'll up it just because I agree that the Mosque version shouldn't be above it on the list. But there's more than a few of these kinds of head-scratchers around here...i.e. the #1 Terrapin being from the Swing, the always controversial Barton Hall Scarlet>Fire blowing away all competition (and, far more ridiculous--Copps 1990 firmly in 2nd place), and as for Estimated...why not try 10/29/77 and see why that one is only in the single digits on the vote counter?
Good Lovin'
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Never been a fan of the extended half hour versions w/Pig rapping about stuff...I realize that's blasphemy to some...but I prefer this tight, sweet version w/a cool drum break followed by a rippin good jam and then they're done. Just right, and Pig is spot on leading up to it all.
Dire Wolf
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Weird is exactly the right word, but also wonderful. This sounds so different than any DW I've ever heard, probably due to TC's organ but there's also just a super-countrified loping rhythm to this version that's unlike any other...what gets it my Upvote is Jerry's truly gorgeous vocals.
Terrapin Station
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

Could go through this show song by song and upvote every one, but yeah, this Terrapin shoulda oughta been here already.
Bird Song
Oct. 2, 1972
Springfield Civic Center

Oh, man. What is this doing mired near the bottom of the list? Listen to Jerry's first foray right after the opening verses. No holds barred here...just off the charts shredding and yet Keith somehow manages to get his keys in edgewise to mellow things out after the frontal assault. Then everyone is in on the action to drive the bus down a winding road of deep jamming excellence. I know there's a lot of great Birdsongs out there and many are well represented high on this list, but here's one that's been inexplicably overlooked and needs to climb the ladder.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)