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.
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Comments

Comes A Time
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

Never get tired of hearing that gorgeous outro jam.
Franklin's Tower
Nov. 29, 1980
Alligator Alley Gym, University of Florida

I wish they'd made more attempts at Shakedown>Franklin's. While the transition here isn't in their seamless transition hall of fame, it's not awful, and it is fun and adventurous if nothing else, but lost in discussion of the hand off is how good this standalone Franklin's really is. What I love most about it is how direct it is. No meandering here like many longer (and higher ranked) versions are. Jerry just attacks every lead and the band is fully cranked up behind. There's nary a note wasted here and there's a lot to get excited about, plus the novelty of emerging from the shake. Easy ups for me on this one.
Sugar Magnolia
June 20, 1983
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Frenetic, energetic, explosive especially in the latter part of the tune, but, it has to be said...pretty darn sloppy overall. Donnie's criticism might be a bit overdone but he's not totally wrong. Can't upvote this one even though the energy of it is undeniable. Must have been a blast to be there.
Wharf Rat
Dec. 27, 1977
Winterland Arena

Lost in a sea of great Rats from this year, I suspect, but yeah, like almost every song/show from the end of this Winterland run, this one is outstanding.
Cassidy
March 28, 1985
Nassau Coliseum

Three tiered monster, every turn executed beautifully, a fine example of a long version success. Would likely have more votes if a strronger SBD version was available but there's a decent one to be found. Worth the listen.
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