headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

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

Playin' In The Band
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

Same as I said about the "Deal" from this show--so overlooked. This version gets out there w/out losing focus...not dissimilar to 5/17/77 but with its own signature sound.
Deal
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

One for the tune and one for the show. The always overshadowed by 5/7, 5/8 and 5/9 5/4/77 is a terrific show on par with that monster trio.
Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Underrated. Worth getting the official digital download version as the archive AUDs are of pretty poor quality.
Ramble On Rose
Dec. 30, 1983
Civic Auditorium

This is a scruffy around the edges version--both musically and vocally-- with Jerry's voice really pushing its limits but all the better for it. Indeed the pay-off is in the final "grass aint greener" stanza and Jer just lets the ripcord go. Awesome stuff and worthy of an upvote even if there are "cleaner" versions to be found.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
April 5, 1971
Manhattan Center

This always feels like the "original" version to me, probably from so many repeated "Skull and Roses" spins back in the day. This particular version will always in my mind be paired w/NFA. I think there are many superior '77 versions but damn if this one doesn't have something special about it.
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