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

Dark Star
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Have only just come around to appreciating this one...the first 12 mins. leading up to the first verse are simply beautiful...it's jazz to meditate to and luxuriate in...the rest of the journey gets deeper into harder driving themes but as has been mentioned in these comments never deviates into ear-splitting dissonant cacophony--which is a good thing. Then you get that sublime segue into Sugar Mag and, wow, those lucky Brits got to hear one of the all-timers.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 25, 1973
Feyline Field

Did they ever perform a bad version of this song in 1973? I have my doubts but even in a sea of goodness this one deserves some love for its spacey-jazzy consistency.
St. Stephen
April 23, 1969
The Ark

@spaced and @donnyraindoc Go check out 10/29/77 before you decide there are no Stephens past '71 worth exploring.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

THis one's all about the incredible segue of "Dark Star Jam" leading flawlessly/seamlessly into the opening notes of China Cat...the version that follows is pretty freaking great also...maybe shave half a point off for not the best SBD quality, but that has nothing to do w/the quality of the performance...they didn't start China Cat coming out of other songs very often, but this, along with the HCS>China Cat from 2/17/73 are the best I've ever heard.
Row Jimmy
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Listen to Jerry's flow-like-a-river first solo. How smooth is that? A rare mid-tempo "not too fast and not too slow" version that needs much more love.
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