headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

grendel

Books and Music

+23519


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

Terrapin Station
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

Should get a well deserved bump from the DaP50 release. Shame on me for not adding my vote sooner. Really excellent mellow flowing Terrapin
Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again
Oct. 16, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Ignore 7/7/89's ranking as #1--yes, it's a fine version--give it a listen and put it in your rotation, but having really gotten into this song lately THIS is the one. Bob's relaxed reading as the initial verses are sung is beautifully paced and timed on purpose to hold back for the latter half where he really lets loose in all his Bob glory and it's all nailed down tight In terms of flow, ease, & lyrical reading. There's also some fine instrumental breaks featuring great work by Brent and Jerry.... this really should be occupying the number one slot+. bonus points for Bobby wink-winking with the reading of the verse: "...and here I sit so patiently waiting to find out what price...you have to pay to get out of...going through all these things twice--TWICE.....oooooohhhMammma...." that's how ya give the nod to ol' Zimmer right there.
Eyes Of The World
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

Maybe the gentlest ,most melodic super sweet intro ever. The rest is pretty spectacular too...
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

youngdog is right
Franklin's Tower
Nov. 23, 1978
Capital Centre

Poking around for an overlooked, hiding in plain sight, totally underappreciated gem of a Franklin's? You found it right here. In fact the whole show it's from is kinda full of 'em. Hints of the laryngitis in Garcia's vocals that would really take hold over the next few nights but it's not full blown here yet & kinda endearing in a Jerry giving it his all sort of way