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

He's Gone
Sept. 3, 1972
Folsom Field, University of Colorado

The sustained Jerry guitar ring echo into TOO is insane. Brilliant. Also, props for Jerry blowing the line for "dogs in a pile" first time around, but deftly subbing in a repeat of "like I told ya" instead, but THEN, he makes up for it by bringing back the "dogs in a pile/nothing left to do but smile smile smile" line later on! A rare lyrical backpedal and save by Jerry, much better than his usual mumble-jumble when he messes up a lyric!
They Love Each Other
April 19, 1982
Baltimore Civic Center

Check out near the end when Jerry goes full- on Dylan singing "better not be there when it rolls oh-vaaah". Whole version is a byoot.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 7, 1972
Bickershaw Festival

I tend to lump all the E72 versions of ChinaRider together & that's my bad b/c this version has a stand-out feel to it, most notably with Phil in total beast mode & just driving the whole train start to finish. Great jamming in the transition as expected, but I'm disappointed to see this just barely into double digits. Outstanding rendition that should break from the pack at some point.
He's Gone
Nov. 22, 1972
Austin Municipal Auditorium

Late to the upvote but very deserving version here that could use a lot more love. Whole show seems underrated but if you check out even one tune from this show it oughta be this
He's Gone
Oct. 19, 1974
Winterland Arena

Oh I checked that out recently based on your rec in another thread. Fantastic mellow version with a great vocal section!