headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

33
Little Red Rooster
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

All about Brent.
2
Drums
June 4, 1978
Campus Stadium - University Of California

Part of a very hardcore rock and roll 2nd set. HEAVY wailing Drums>Space>NFA w/motorcycle revs.
8
Beat it on Down The Line
May 16, 1972
Theatre Hall

Another Europe '72 tour winner. Bobby sez "Rock on out" for the bridge jam and Jerry obliges.
25
Ramble On Rose
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

Just discovered this one, available on archive as outtakes that didn't make the DP release. Simply put, it kicks ass.
8
Doin' That Rag
June 14, 1969
Monterey Performing Arts Center

Always a tough tune for the band to pull off but here they do it with authority. Jerry nails the vocals w/gusto!
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Comments

Dark Star
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Have only just come around to appreciating this one...the first 12 mins. leading up to the first verse are simply beautiful...it's jazz to meditate to and luxuriate in...the rest of the journey gets deeper into harder driving themes but as has been mentioned in these comments never deviates into ear-splitting dissonant cacophony--which is a good thing. Then you get that sublime segue into Sugar Mag and, wow, those lucky Brits got to hear one of the all-timers.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 25, 1973
Feyline Field

Did they ever perform a bad version of this song in 1973? I have my doubts but even in a sea of goodness this one deserves some love for its spacey-jazzy consistency.
St. Stephen
April 23, 1969
The Ark

@spaced and @donnyraindoc Go check out 10/29/77 before you decide there are no Stephens past '71 worth exploring.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

THis one's all about the incredible segue of "Dark Star Jam" leading flawlessly/seamlessly into the opening notes of China Cat...the version that follows is pretty freaking great also...maybe shave half a point off for not the best SBD quality, but that has nothing to do w/the quality of the performance...they didn't start China Cat coming out of other songs very often, but this, along with the HCS>China Cat from 2/17/73 are the best I've ever heard.
Row Jimmy
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Listen to Jerry's flow-like-a-river first solo. How smooth is that? A rare mid-tempo "not too fast and not too slow" version that needs much more love.
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