headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+23519


Submissions

13
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.
52
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.
13
Gloria
Oct. 16, 1981
Melkweg

Bobby's birthday at the world famous Melkeweg. Yummy brownies make this version extra special.
show more submissions

Comments

Playin' In The Band
May 13, 1978
The Spectrum

Maybe it's because '78 is not known as a stand-out year for this tune, but just two votes w/mine added is puzzling! If you bypass this version--and show in general--you're missing out on a sleeper gem. Jerry does some "out of left field" riffing near the homestretch of this nicely stretched out jazz offering...w/some fittingly edgy attitude thrown in given the venue. Worth a listen or 2.
Let It Grow
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

^^^^ Much obliged
Let It Grow
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

What is everyone's favorite version of this show for best audio quality? (I usually go w/Jim Wise AUD but if there's something newer that sounds even better lemme know)
Loose Lucy
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

yeah not sure why this one doesn't get more love...halfway between the brisk readings of this period and the slower funk grease versions--w/an edge to the speedier side but also in control & w/some nice & boppy lines & Jer clearly having fun...he even (mostly) gets the words right. Better chorus background vox from donna than in many other versions from this time
The Other One
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

There's the ubiquitous '74 style dissonant space jam section, which to me is nowhere near the highlight, but there's also the sly reading of the prototype slipknot jam and beyond that an outstanding exploration over all sorts of jazz-infused musical landscapes. The rejoin to the main theme and verse gets intense and hard rock ensues but not at the expense of tone or rhythmic force. Excellent Other One gets my +1
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)