headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

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.
show more submissions

Comments

Deal
July 4, 1989
Rich Stadium

@flippp The "jamless" '72 versions have a laid back appeal but of course, yes, they don't go as far out as late 80s versions...the mid 70's '77-'78 versions had a little more jam expansion while keeping an excellent rolling gait but also not as jammed out as late 80's...but you are doing disservice to the EARLY 80s versions which are every bit as jammed out as '89s, and I would ask you to go straight to exhibit A being 5/1/81 and tell me that doesn't rip the ever-loving piss out of this 7/4/89 version that, quite frankly, is overrated.
The Eleven
Jan. 17, 1970
Oregon State University

REALLY glad this was posted and commented on. LOVE the slower pace to this 11....still jammed out but way more controlled and thus focused. Tremendous version & possibly my new favorite.
Big Railroad Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

This is so good and needs way more votes. Both Jerry solos are perfecto and if i'm not mistaken a bit longer than many other versions from this era. Smokin' hot stuff.
Brown Eyed Women
June 18, 1976
Capitol Theatre

They haven't yet extended Jer's bridge jam but the one he does here, while shorter, is super smooth and note-perfect. It's a bit slower and ,more relaxed as with the versions heard in the early days but Jer nails every lyric and sings with passion and it's a self contained little gem of a version, if a bit less "grandiose" than post '76 and later versions. Very upvoteworthy. (DL series Vol. 4)
Playin' In The Band
June 22, 1973
Pacific Coliseum

Never heard it til today taking a walk w/Grendel in the woods, totally grooving to this spacey/mellow version and outta nowhere, it hit me, YES--a distinct, absolutely can't miss, but very brief "Fire on the Mountain" riff led by Phil...blink your ears and you'll almost miss it, but it is there for certain. So cool.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)