headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

15
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
April 21, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

A quick and driven entrance into the Help featuring Brent and Phil filling elusively and Jerry nailing it; Very intricate Knot; Infectious Franklins.
4
New Minglewood Blues
April 21, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

A roaring Minglewood; Check Weir's good slide solo, Garcia's ripping solo; Some fat Phil and some Gospel Brent.
4
Friend of the Devil
April 21, 1984
Philadelphia Civic Center

Poignant yet not somber, slow but not dragging; Mellow serene and emotive; Very strong full band interplay.
12
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 31, 1984
SF Civic

Headiness such as this excluded? THIS S>F is downright profound. Perhaps due to the passing of Parish's wife and daughter, Garcia adds some dark vibes
6
Loser
April 26, 1984
Providence Civic Center

Saloon distant gambling vibe dark and killer

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'