headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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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.

Comments

Let It Grow
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

100% agree (best of '77) and Garcia goes just ballistic in the latter half of the song.
Bird Song
Sept. 27, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Phil can be heard after they finish saying "Dynamite!" Agreed.
Eyes Of The World
April 27, 1985
Frost Amphitheatre

Yes, the jamming is nice & the transition into Eyes is a fun, rare treat, but it has to be noted also that Jerry's voice is absolutely terrible here* (as it was for much of '85). Not trying to hate at all, just saying that when it comes to overall headiness of this version, this should be taken into account. * Just listen to him barely croaking out the opening line in Scarlet, and Eyes isn't much better.
Good Lovin'
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Jerry's 2 solos push this into legendary territory. No surprise from the show that never stops giving.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

This whole show is spectacular (especially the DS)...Top 3 of '72, and yes, that includes the Europe shows.