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

Estimated Prophet
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

I'll up it just because I agree that the Mosque version shouldn't be above it on the list. But there's more than a few of these kinds of head-scratchers around here...i.e. the #1 Terrapin being from the Swing, the always controversial Barton Hall Scarlet>Fire blowing away all competition (and, far more ridiculous--Copps 1990 firmly in 2nd place), and as for Estimated...why not try 10/29/77 and see why that one is only in the single digits on the vote counter?
Good Lovin'
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Never been a fan of the extended half hour versions w/Pig rapping about stuff...I realize that's blasphemy to some...but I prefer this tight, sweet version w/a cool drum break followed by a rippin good jam and then they're done. Just right, and Pig is spot on leading up to it all.
Dire Wolf
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Weird is exactly the right word, but also wonderful. This sounds so different than any DW I've ever heard, probably due to TC's organ but there's also just a super-countrified loping rhythm to this version that's unlike any other...what gets it my Upvote is Jerry's truly gorgeous vocals.
Terrapin Station
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

Could go through this show song by song and upvote every one, but yeah, this Terrapin shoulda oughta been here already.
Bird Song
Oct. 2, 1972
Springfield Civic Center

Oh, man. What is this doing mired near the bottom of the list? Listen to Jerry's first foray right after the opening verses. No holds barred here...just off the charts shredding and yet Keith somehow manages to get his keys in edgewise to mellow things out after the frontal assault. Then everyone is in on the action to drive the bus down a winding road of deep jamming excellence. I know there's a lot of great Birdsongs out there and many are well represented high on this list, but here's one that's been inexplicably overlooked and needs to climb the ladder.
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