headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Books and Music

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Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.
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Comments

Brokedown Palace
Oct. 14, 1977
Hofheinz Pavilion

Fine version from a generally overlooked show.
Dark Star
Oct. 12, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

All jam, no junk. Great flowing Jerry leads. This one surprised and delighted me. Upvote worthy for sure.
Darkness Jam
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

To be clear, I had no other category to list this under. Its closest to being just called a "jam" but it reads as PITB on the Denver road trips release, which isn't really accurate, even though it's technically part of the Playing sandwich in that great set. It's about 5 mins. of a mellow, in the pocket, perfectly rendered groove with hints of Dark Star....that comes out of El Paso and then just melts like butter into Wharf Rat. Needs to be recognized in the same way the '71 "Beautiful Jam" has been. A classic.
El Paso
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

Amazingly fluid Mexicalli-flavored lines by Jerry throughout this version. Does emerge seamlessly from PITB.
Brown Eyed Women
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

All true. Excellent Scarlet-Fire from this show, and one of the great 2d sets of the year. This BEW stands with many of the other greats from '77 including 11/4/77 and Barton.
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