headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

13
Operator
Nov. 8, 1970
Capitol Theater

Final time played, Pig is in fine form, acoustic set here is beautiful, entire show for that matter is transcendent stuff.
18
Ripple
Nov. 8, 1970
Capitol Theater

Great year for this song, no doubt, emotive, and serene. A quick ride in time, Capitol Theater 1970.
10
Friend of the Devil
June 24, 1970
Capitol Theatre

Legendary show, this FOTD is deserving
7
Franklin's Tower
Nov. 23, 1978
Capital Centre

Joyous and powerful 1/2 step>Franklins to open
6
Shakedown Street
Nov. 23, 1978
Capital Centre

Not jammed too deeply, but the playing that there is seriously funky and powerful
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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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