headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic
12
Brown Eyed Women
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Gotta check out the "small" songs in legendary shows like this as well as the usual suspects! Check out Jerry's utterly perfect bridge jam & be in awe
22
Bird Song
Sept. 22, 1993
Madison Square Garden

If you don't know Saxophonist David Murray, here's a good way to find out how great he is. This is one stellar Birdsong that flew under the radar here
19
They Love Each Other
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Is there anything prettier, sweeter or more sublimely lovely than Keith's piano in this version? You decide. This TLEO is incredible.
56
Sugaree
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

New #1 favorite. Slightly more compact than other amazing '77 versions & so a bit more focused. 2d Garcia solo has no equal.
show more submissions

Comments

New Speedway Boogie
July 14, 1970
Euphoria Ballroom

Perfect groove. Totally in the pocket + a lengthy outro jam.
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 26, 1972
Music Hall

Everyone says this or that Playin' is the "jazziest". No No No No No. THIS Playin' is the jazziest. Think "Bitches Brew" crossed with Phil channeling Mingus at Antibes, while Billy goes all Buddy Rich on the fast parts. Garcia brings his Wes Montgomery touch to the quieter sections and when things get intense he does Jimi proud. Not saying this one is the "best", but it's top tier for sure, and as far as the whole "jazz" discussion goes...well, we have a winner.
Casey Jones
June 27, 1969
Veterans Auditorium

Crazy early version w/indeed a long-ish lead-in instrumental and groovy slower jams in the middle...they're obviously still in the "working out" stages of this classic and it's a total blast to hear this infant version...it still rocks, just in a different way than the well-known faster versions of later years.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 21, 1977
Lakeland Civic Center

This really needs some comment as well as more votes. There may be no better version in terms of precision combined with power and flow of BOTH tunes, which is fairly rare. (Often you get a stellar 'Scarlet' followed by a tired or flubbed 'Fire', or vice versa.) This version (found on DP 29) never lets up. The 'Scarlet' is pure perfection--smooth yet jammy--and the transition into 'Fire' is a tsunami of power chords by Jerry with ensuing jams that spark the senses. Please give it another listen and see if it earns your vote.
Brown Eyed Women
Sept. 26, 1981
Buffalo Auditorium

Extra Jerry in the jam section...perfectly rendered version...a real hidden gem!
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)