headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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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.
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Comments

Dark Star
May 15, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

more and more enamored of this one, a floating, dreamy gem of a version, masterfully in rhythm and w/a gorgeous return following some mellow gong-space. Excellent.
Me and My Uncle
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

Forgot to mention in 1st comments that Jerry lays down a mean solo even while caught in the faster paced disco double time. Stellar.
Big Railroad Blues
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

True grit right here. Nothing fancy or pretty but a rocked out, ragged, rip roaring good one.
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 18, 1972
Fox Theater

Jazz clinic version that sandwiches a drums>darkStar>Dew>reprise. Underrated by about 20-30 votes.
Crazy Fingers
July 13, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

May be my new personal favorite. The outro jam is legendary for good reason--as close to a Shankar-style raga as you'll ever hear them do--but even before then, the mid-song bridge jam is just a thousand different kinds of beautiful & Donna Jean just sparkles on vocals, blending rather than overtaking Jerry at key moments. Stunning, spectacular version, better perhaps by a nose than many of the other fine June/July 1976 renditions listed on the board.
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