headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

13
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.
52
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.
13
Gloria
Oct. 16, 1981
Melkweg

Bobby's birthday at the world famous Melkeweg. Yummy brownies make this version extra special.

Comments

Eyes Of The World
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

^So glad you noticed and commented on the cut in first jam bc even on the official release it’s a gross disservice. I used some software editing to restore the lost section (about 40 seconds worth) but even with the AUD patch it’s totally worth it
Jack Straw
Oct. 15, 1984
Civic Center

^^^^Dang you ain’t kidding! Garcia doing some serious lightning picking in the big jam section & the drumming is just insane. May be even better than Syracuse. Source provided is ok but could be better....haven’t searched yet but if you know of a better sounding board do let me know. Excellent rec, I may have to dig into second set as well, as I’m not familiar with this show.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 16, 1978
Huntington Civic Center

Should have upped this long ago. Such a vibrant, tight, bouncy Scarlet & a mellow, beautiful bridge to a confident Fire with Jerry in fine vocal form. One of the all time great Betty Boards taboot. Always happy to come back to this classic & really when you look at the list, this one should be sitting higher.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
May 26, 1973
Kezar Stadium

May have to go back & upvote almost every track from this A+ show that now sounds more amazing than ever: https://archive.org/details/gd1973-05-26.150710.SBD.BettyBoard.Anon.Noel.fixed.t-flac16/gd73-05-26.s3t07.flac seriously, this is no ordinary upgrade. Run, don't walk.
Estimated Prophet
March 30, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Put another way: best version you've never heard