headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

4
Ramble On Rose
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Faster than usual tempo with just a brilliant Jerry bridge jam and no missed lyrics make this one a not-to-be-missed version.
14
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
54
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.

Comments

Wharf Rat
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

Great Rat, and a fine show that somehow gets overlooked. They closed the rink in fine form.
Cassidy
April 24, 1978
Horton Field House - Illinois State University

Notable for absence of lyrics "flight of the seabirds" at the end, but the jam itself wraps up beautifully. I'd say this is the best pre-80's version before they started adding the "extra" middle jam that made versions like 10/12/83 so magnificent.
Shakedown Street
Sept. 10, 1991
Madison Square Garden

Just became acquainted with this one. Branford shines & funk ensues.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Dec. 10, 1971
Fox Theatre

Ho-lee-smokes!!! gdtrfb, thanks a ton for this recommendation--the China Cat lick prior to the goin' jam is just beyond tasty. These kinds of hidden gems are just what I come to heady versions for!!!!
Dire Wolf
June 27, 1969
Veterans Auditorium

Def. my fave...Bobby actually sings it great w/nice country twang...can't beat Jerry's pedal steel sound.