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

Row Jimmy
July 25, 1974
International Amphitheater

Best Row Jimmy of 1974 and also the best version period pre-1977 (see 3/20/77 and 4/12/78). Jerry vocals are picture perfect and Donna does not get in the way at all. The mid-verse jams are beautiful with gentle and then rising solos supported by a perfect pace and rhythm. Finishes with a strong, gorgeous chorus. Exceptional version needing FAR more many votes than it has now.
St. Stephen
June 24, 1970
Capitol Theatre

@chrisp Regarding 10/29/77 being the king of latter day versions: spot on! More attention needs to be paid...
The Other One
March 31, 1973
War Memorial

Didn't realize until giving it a second listen how nice this is. I mean "nice" literally. This is not an overly aggressive or crazy spacey Other One, but instead a quite jazzy, contemplative and nicely flowing version that melts beautifully into its cameo appearance components with equal grace: a controlled and very pretty Spanish Jam and a Feelin' Groovy Jam that just kinda starts on its own outta nowhere and then kicks into a nice Rider. Deserves higher ranking for these reasons and for the obscurity of these pieces all coming together within TOO.
Beat it on Down The Line
April 26, 1971
Fillmore East

Duane sounds fantastic on this.
Hard to Handle
April 26, 1971
Fillmore East

First time hearing this one and dare I say it--best ever? Even better than 8/6/71? OK, maybe not "better", but in the same conversation for sure. Longer jam sections in this one...it's a beaut.
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