headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

4
Cumberland Blues
Aug. 14, 1971
Berkeley Community Theater

Smokin' out of control
15
Wharf Rat
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

So soulful. One of the best Wharf Rats Jerry has ever sung. All around perfect version, coming out of one sick jam.
4
He's Gone
June 20, 1983
Merriweather Post Pavilion

This is a creepy trip coming after a monster Samson
15
Johnny B. Goode
Nov. 4, 1977
Cotterell Gym - Colgate University

This gets out of control fairly quickly, when jerry takes his solo to the next level. A seriously rocking version.
24
Cassidy
Nov. 4, 1977
Cotterell Gym - Colgate University

Holy shit is this a smoker or what. Too bad they end it 5 minutes in, this version was fucking cooking.

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'