headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+23517


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.
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Comments

Row Jimmy
Dec. 10, 1973
Charlotte Coliseum

Slow drippy- trippy -syrupy version with sweet '73 Jerry vocals. Worth getting the Download Vol 8 version for best sound quality & especially so you can hear the little trills of rhythm Bobby plays underneath Garcia's solos.
Eyes Of The World
March 28, 1973
Civic Center

Jam after the last verse is where it's at with this A+ version--absolutely scorching post-lyrics playing --fast paced aggressive but precision-laden jazz --just phenomenal.
Passenger
May 5, 1978
Thompson Arena - Dartmouth College

Lost in the shuffle -- gritty, grunge-like version with a more patient approach than many others....Garcia digs in hard.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 16, 1989
The Mecca

Such a groovy '89 rendition-not sure why it isn't much higher on the board. Brent shines especially in Fire with some great creative fills & Garcia doesn't miss a lyric. Sleeper pick here.
West L.A. Fadeaway
Sept. 11, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

Best early incarnation version I've ever heard--hands down. Would rank it overall only behind Alpine '89 and maybe Copps '90--maybe.
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