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

Ship of Fools
Sept. 18, 1974
Parc des Expositions

For me, 5/9/77 is and always will be best ever, but dang if this one isn't nipping on its heels. Sung so beautifully by Jerry from what I'm starting to think now is THE best show of 1974. Everything is just so spot-on, and this version of Ship contains a brief but note-perfect Jerry solo and some delicate Keith organ fills that make it a tad different than other versions. Spectacular.
Uncle John's Band
Sept. 18, 1974
Parc des Expositions

Absolutely, NoNoYolker....this show is flooring me top to bottom. What a great UJB. Maybe take a 1/4 point off for the warbly vocals, but that's true of any '74 version. Still, the instrumental sections are gold and it's as sweet as it gets for a self-contained version that doesn't flow into anything else. In fact, in that category, it's hands down #1.
Black Throated Wind
Sept. 18, 1974
Parc des Expositions

Really strong version with a bit of a peppier tempo than most and more emotionally charged, especially toward the end. Bobby commits and delivers.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

@merryjerry Turns out they did have the complete IKYR in the vault so now this incredible version can be heard in all its glory and it truly is spectacular--not just because it melts into being from a crazy Dark Star....you can actually hear an "almost" moment where it sounds like they're about to head into the MLB/Feelin'Groovy jams that they would begin playing in '73 and carry throughout '74, but instead they just jam some more and intensify what they're already doing before heading flawlessly into Rider. This is easily making my Top 10 all time China>Rider list. Up it!
Viola Lee Blues
Nov. 10, 1967
Shrine Auditorium

Maybe a new number 1 for me. Shorter than some of the marathon versions in '68 but more focused for it, tighter all around, but losing none of the furious jamming of those big '68's. Sung really well by all, too.
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