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

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

^^^ With 5 stars being the best, this is a 4-star version easily. If you're grading on a curve and taking into account the post-90's decline, you could bump it to 4 1/2 and I wouldn't complain. I'm a true believer for this version.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

Take maybe a half point off for Jerry's typically croaky '91 vocals, but musically, this is a delight. As noted, Hornsby goes jazz jam all over this version...he's clearly adding color and filling space in ways that are truly rare...this happens in both the meat of Scarlet, the transition to Fire, and while Jerry takes over in Fire as the stand-out, Bruce doesn't miss a beat in providing the perfect back-drop. I'm really hard to please when it comes to nearly anything post-1990 so believe me when I say this version can stand proud with many at or near the top of this list. At the very least it deserves to have more than 20 votes, but sits under-appreciated at 12 as I write this, including the one I just added. Let's up this puppy, please.
Fire On The Mountain
July 13, 1985
Ventura County Fairgrounds

^^^Well acquainted with the story being here in the Green Mountain State. Assuming you are as well? VT Dead Heads unite!
Fire On The Mountain
July 13, 1985
Ventura County Fairgrounds

^^^ Stone Hut up on Mt. Mansfield? If so, yes, it will return!
Samson and Delilah
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

It's really grown on me and mostly because it's so different than the familiar versions that would follow in 1977 and stay basically the same thereafter...the funky loping intro in this one is so perfect and they don't miss a beat getting into it and Bobby is just roaring out the vocals. Top 3 for me.