headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

2
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 4, 1982
Kiel Auditorium

Fast-picking goodness. Jerry's bridge solo is long and lightning quick and awesome. 1 point off for lyric flub on re-entry, but the rest is gold.
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
15
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!
19
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

As insanely good as the Wharf Rat that precedes it. How good? Almost matches 10/29/77 in intensity. Final jam section b4 SSDD will boggle your senses!
show more submissions

Comments

Bird Song
Sept. 10, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Easy to lose this one in a sea of great "Birdsongs" from a great year for that song...but it's a mistake to skip this one by. Other than 6/22/73 this might have the trippiest/dream-like/sweet-mellow jam section of any version ever. SBD lacks a bit--just a bit--of oomph but is essentially clear and pretty, and this version will delight any early-year "Birdsong" aficionado.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Very distinct tease by Jerry on "Mountain Jam" just prior to a really mellow and flowing version of the MLB jam...just an outstanding all-around version of the combo and instantly rising into my top 5 of all-time (with, in no particular order, 2/24/74, 8/27/72, 3/9/81 and 11/11/73.) This out of all those, however, wins as most underrated version. Terrific pick.
Crazy Fingers
Aug. 13, 1975
Great American Music Hall

OK, I'll be the first to say it: I didn't check, and just assumed this was already here. How could it not be???? Other than the Blues For Allah album version, this is THE MOST PRISTINE VERSION of the song EVER played. Nothing else even comes close.
Dire Wolf
April 16, 1978
Huntington Civic Center

Lost in the shuffle of a superior show. There usually isn't much jamming on this little ditty of a song but Jerry brings the goods and collects his dues on this one. Flowing licks and passionate vocals.
The Music Never Stopped
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

What's not great in this show? This is but one example of one of those "Just Exactly perfect" tunes from a perfect year. This DP is easily one of the best Dick ever offered up. Spectacular Lazy Lightning>Supplication also among the highlights.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)