headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

17
Friend of the Devil
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Excellent slightly different sounding version
24
The Other One
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Strong 30+ minute version
16
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Complete hidden gem, superb early version
11
Crazy Fingers
Sept. 21, 1982
Madison Square Garden

76' clearly best year for this tune; 1982 another excellent year for the song, 9/21 one of the best, Playin' > Crazy Fingers to open
3
Crazy Fingers
July 21, 1990
World Music Theatre

Good one in one of Brent's last shows
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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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