headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

9
Playin' In The Band
June 4, 1977
The Forum

estimated>eyes>drums>good lovin>terrapin>playin>franklin's>space>china doll>not fade>playin reprise. One of the most insane set-lists of the year.
4
Estimated Prophet
June 4, 1977
The Forum

Powerful Estimated>Eyes, from a monster Spring 77' show.
13
Franklin's Tower
June 4, 1977
The Forum

Where is the love for this show?? A monster transition from Playin' into Franklins. Huge version, that blows the roof off the forum.
36
Terrapin Station
July 8, 1978
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Legendary Terrapin Encore, I would put this in my personal top five. An absolutely ferocious final jam.
9
China Cat Sunflower
March 16, 1968
Carousel Ballroom

Dark Star > China Cat > Eleven pretty cool early experimental version. From the excellent "so many roads" box set

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'