headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

6
St. Stephen
May 6, 1970
Kresge Plaza - MIT

The jam during this blows me away every time. Pure psychedelic bliss. An argument could easily be made that this is the definitive version.
13
Easy Wind
April 4, 1971
Manhattan Center

Powerful and driving blues jam, with a unique ending. Garcia tears this one up, and Lesh provides a great hollow bass sound.
9
Nobody's Fault But Mine
May 20, 1973
U.C.

Off the rails, intense blues jamming.
6
Eyes Of The World
April 8, 1991
Orlando Arena

Relaxed, controlled, and tight. Garcia owns this one.
5
New Minglewood Blues
May 19, 1966
Avalon Ballroom

Insane early version. Weir goes off on the vocals, and there is some energetic old time Dead jamming.
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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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