headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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.
show more submissions

Comments

Terrapin Station
March 24, 1988
Omni Coliseum

Agreed. Also please don't overlook the "Candyman" from this show--one of the all-time best, if not THE best.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Feb. 3, 1979
Market Square Arena

Upon further review...this version needs more votes. I've known it for years but possibly downplayed its headiness b/c there's no pristine SBD available, but the AUD source is excellent and the version needs to be heard to be believed. The "Scarlet" contains maybe the best bridge jam ever prior to "wind in the willows", and the "Fire" is just that, plus Jerry actually nails all the lyrics. Really spectacular, especially given that it's one of the last Keith & Donna versions ever.
Jack Straw
April 6, 1987
Meadowlands Arena

Had to bump this one a bit. Where the hell has it been hiding all these years? Billy & Mickey simply own this version. The others are great (Phil especially), but the drummers are driving this train for sure. Yee-Ow.
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 17, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Along with Charlotte 3/91 and Branford at Nassau '90 this must be included in any "best of" post-90's version. Jerry's voice is also surprisingly strong on this also & the jamming is just forever. Really top notch.
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

All of what's said above, but most of all PRISTINE, which really is the mark of what may be the most just-exactly perfect show the band ever played. (And I say that as a '77 die-hard fan whose personal all-time favorite show is 10/29/77. But assessing objectively, 8/27/72 is the best. This PITB is spellbinding.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)