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

Loser
June 21, 1980
West High Auditorium

Find the Miller SBD and check this one out. The only other 80s version that comes close is Ventura '84 in terms of intensity of bridge jam and bluesy Garcia vocals. Silly for this version to be anywhere under 10 votes.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 1, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Finding out that this show is so much richer in content than just the longest-ever Scarlet>Fire it's known for. This Playin' is a great sleeper pick...great rhythm devils work and a long, gooey space exploration. +1
Jack Straw
Nov. 1, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Simply a victim of too many other great versions to choose from, but tune in to this one and you'll feel compelled to get it higher on the ladder. Great '79 stuff start to finish.
Row Jimmy
March 20, 1977
Winterland Arena

Whatever the reason, I would drop this firmly into a category called Greatest Garcia Solos Ever, slap a Top 3 onto it, and not look back. It's beyond belief beautiful.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 7, 1984
Silva Hall, Hult Center

No, Bobby, they're going to hear ONE MORE TIME how much I wish I was a headlight on a northbound train. -Jerry
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