headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23524


Submissions

13
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.
52
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.
13
Gloria
Oct. 16, 1981
Melkweg

Bobby's birthday at the world famous Melkeweg. Yummy brownies make this version extra special.

Comments

Uncle John's Band
Oct. 19, 1974
Winterland Arena

Ah yes! Overshadowed I think by the Eyes from this show, this UJB def. deserves a higher ranking.
Pretty Peggy O
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Love the extended intro on this one & like nearly every version from '77 this is just gorgeous--vocally & instrumentally. Jerry's solo doesn't quite hit the heights of 5/5/77, 12/27/77, or 519/77, but is nevertheless superb & is still an easy +1 for the board.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1981
Coliseum

Who's in the mood for a hidden gem ScarFire from a year that has scads of 'em hiding in plain sight? Check this one out--full lush reading of both tunes and like much of '81, if you're a Brent fan, you'll want to give this a serious listen .
Eyes Of The World
June 4, 1977
The Forum

Glad Melvin is still groovin'...may have to check that out--thx!
Bird Song
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Another winner from the most consistently great Birdsong Year of 1972. This is a surehanded confident beautifully sung silk-smooth rendition, not a note wasted. Wonderful.