headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

45
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 9, 1981
Activity Center - University of Colorado

This is just sick.. period.
30
Deal
Feb. 5, 1978
Uni Dome, U of Northern Iowa

Jerry's solo during this is one of the highlights of his career. An incredibly brilliant deal.
4
Eyes Of The World
Aug. 29, 1983
Silva Hall, Hult Center

Pure shredding by Jerry. This is one of the fastest eyes I have ever heard. This is one coked out eyes, blazing, killer version.
8
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 29, 1983
Silva Hall, Hult Center

This is a killer. Definitely one of best of 83' this version is pure magic. Just listen to this china jam, you will be blown away.
17
Big River
Sept. 27, 1972
Stanley Theatre

This version just explodes out of the box, and jumps right out at you. Everything you want from a big river is right here.
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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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