headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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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.
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Comments

Row Jimmy
March 20, 1977
Winterland Arena

I go back and forth between this one and 4-12-78 as to which is best...both feature unreal Jerry guitar work before "broken heart" refrain...this one a tad cleaner than Duke U....both outstanding.
Jack Straw
Jan. 11, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

My first-ever show, and this "Jack Straw" is what got me on the bus for good. Nice call.
Morning Dew
Oct. 12, 1984
Augusta Civic Center

Ditto. Have yet to hear a more powerful version, at least vocally (Barton Hall maybe has the better jam). This one is as emotional as it gets. Brilliant version ending one of the best 2d sets of all time.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

can't believe this isn't #1 all-time with the most votes. Both bridge jams are monsters. Beats 5/7/77 (which is excellent) by a country mile
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Excellent choice and yes, a very underrated version. Unique in a very short transition jam but that leaves Jerry to expand on the opening riffs of "fire" instead. Really great version, often overlooked.
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