headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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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.
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Comments

Franklin's Tower
April 19, 1987
Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre

I was at this one too, and yeah, it's time this Irvine Easter run got some love. This is a nice, bright, peppy and confident Franklin's as Jerry is starting to get his chops back post-coma and having fun again. There's a very nice Row Jimmy from this run of shows and an excellent Desolation Row as well.
Sugaree
Dec. 28, 1978
Golden Hall, Community Concourse

Great fanning by Garcia in the jam before the final verse. Upvote worthy even if it doesnt knock any of the iconic '77s from their perches.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Aug. 22, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

OK, Garcia, now you're just showing off. (It's true that this version is perfect. And the solo before the final verse is not of this earthly realm.)
The Other One
Nov. 5, 1977
Community War Memorial Auditorium

Zounds. A perfect, power-packed 11+ minutes of '77 Other One glory sittin' in single digits on the big board. For shame. This rendition is a monster version for any era. Grab your copy of DP #34 or archive this beast now and see if you don't come running back to upvote. In particular the charge led into the second verse is a 5-minute microcosm of the Dead at their best led by--who else?--Garcia in a fury of guitar jam magic.
Cold Rain and Snow
Aug. 25, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Had they played this song at Veneta 2 days later this exact version would be ranked up in the top 5. Because it's "hidden" in the show that gets overshadowed by the legendary one to follow it lingers down in the basement. That's unfortunate and undeserved. This is as beautiful a rendition as you'll find in '72 with lots of vocal commitment on the "winds don't blow" and other similar sections. Confident, relaxed musical reading punctuated by howling Garcia vocals. Five star stuff here.
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