headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


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.

Comments

Here Comes Sunshine
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

Ed, don't forget 2/23/74...truly I think the #1 even tho' it's not in that slot.
Terrapin Station
Nov. 1, 1977
Cobo Arena

Top contender for most underrated Terrapin out there. Could make a similar argument for this being a very under the radar show for '77.
Estimated Prophet
March 29, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

Should've upped this ages ago. No Branford backlash here...I love his contributions on every Dead tune he ever sat in on, so much so that I overlooked how much vibrancy he adds to this Estimated. Deserves its high ranking.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 27, 1990
The Zenith

Easy to overlook but don’t. Mickey & Billy do a sick roll into Jerry’s “northbound train” line and there’s a ton of energetic jamming in the transition. Winner version.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

Big thanks to y’all on the Matrix. Gives some needed oomph to one of my favorite all time combos