headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+24538


Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.

Comments

Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

the best, Jerry...the Best!
Bird Song
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

Absolutely agree. Would have listed this one myself had I not assumed it was already here. Keith really provides a gorgeous bridge to a typically smooth and mesmerizing 1972 version. Must-hear.
They Love Each Other
June 9, 1976
Boston Music Hall

All about Keith...check his gorgeous flowing lines that make this one so silky smooth.
Not Fade Away
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

From one of the all-time greatest shows ever played and my personal #1 favorite. Killer Stephen precedes it...Black Peter...Sugar Mag--all stellar.
Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

Can't believe I only just experienced this. Garcia concocts an MLB while making his electric guitar sound like a bluegrass banjo in the final stanza and leads the rest of the gang on an exploration of improv jamming that must be heard to be believed. Rest of the half hour masterpiece aint too shabby either. Jazzy, mellow, but hard-driving in places...not too much dissonant noise distortion..but that final fury of bluegrass-infused jazz improv leading into AM Dew puts this one into legendary territory.