headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.

Comments

Shakedown Street
April 26, 1983
The Spectrum

When this site is working its best magic, it's pointing me to versions of songs like this, that were totally off my radar, far down the list, yet worthy of being so much higher. This whole shows is just chock full of A+ material and this Shakedown is probably head of the class. Confident even in Jerry's vocal delivery (mostly, it is early 80s after all), but chiefly it's the fierce funk of the faster tempo but un-sloppy delivery and the massive dig down dirty jamming post-lyrics that makes this a best of 80s candidate. Also check out the stellar Help>Slip>Franklin's. Women R Smarter, and much more. Excellent recommendations/comments by all. +1 easy.
He's Gone
April 17, 1972
Tivolis Koncertsal

Almost like a different tune it's so high energy. Jerry digs in with great leads. Missing the "goin' where the wind don't blow so strange" bridge that would be added later.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
April 29, 1977
The Palladium

One of those shows that screams for a clean SBD. Suffers not from performance but from available sound quality.
Big River
May 16, 1972
Theatre Hall

why am i not seeing this song listed on any of the archive versions of this show?
Playin' In The Band
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

^^^^ It happens sometimes, brother, it happens ;-) Sticking by my two cents on this one, though...love what it does.