headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

13
Bird Song
Dec. 9, 1981
Activity Center - University of Colorado

Zig zagging but controlled. Excellent version
5
Bird Song
Aug. 29, 1983
Silva Hall, Hult Center

Majorly underrated show, but A+ performance, and one of the best shows of 83'. Very tight Bird Song here.
8
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 22, 1979
Spartan Stadium - San Jose State University

Scorching...
6
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 8, 1979
Recreation Hall - Penn State University

Long and epic. Transition is on fire, and whole combo flows perfectly.
12
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
July 8, 1987
Roanoke Civic Center

Tight and clean jams.
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Comments

Hard to Handle
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

Although Jerry doesn't have the clearest twists and turns in his solo, it is still coherent enough--melodically-- to be considered a top H2H solo. This song is generally a pretty good barometer to test if Jerry is really on during a specific performance. He rips this version up basically meaning he's on this show, check it out.
Mister Charlie
Aug. 6, 1971
Hollywood Palladium

Power packed but condensed to such a sort time frame that it feels at any moment the song will just combust and explode. If you want to dabble in labeling certain versions "best ever" or whatever, this one certainly qualifies. Flawless energetic and booming.
Stella Blue
Oct. 14, 1983
Hartford Civic Center

Sublime and serene, regardless of era, the emotion of this version stands out. Vocals are chill evoking, great song, this version does it proper justice.
Black Peter
June 5, 1970
Fillmore West

Surprised hadn't been posted earlier. One of the best acoustic Black Peter's i've heard. Garcia sounds great. Dark but not intrusively so, last verses especially are powerful in a way only this song can provide.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 11, 1973
Winterland Arena

Certainly one of the top versions, probably top 5. Seamless transition, one of the better China Cats ever and the Rider smokes quick. Impossible to go wrong with Fall 73'
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