headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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merryjerry

wacked

+6550


Submissions

9
The Wheel
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

It's so apt that The Wheel would roll into Truckin' that the outro is short but the rest is very nice.
9
Eyes Of The World
June 27, 1984
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Jerry really mines the changes on this one and pulls out plenty of little gold nuggets (like Coltrane). Good interplay, too. An inspired version.
11
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 12, 1981
Veterans' Memorial Coliseum

A cheesy video of this kickass version would have Garcia playing atop a steam locomotive as it barrels down the track.
9
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 18, 1972
Fox Theater

Incomplete, but what remains is top-notch and essential.
10
Me and Bobby McGee
March 26, 1973
Baltimore Civic Center

I just gotta nominate this one, that's all.

Comments

Bertha
May 5, 1978
Thompson Arena - Dartmouth College

I've always thought this was special for Jerry's unique (hell, did he ever play it like this anywhere else?) take on the 'Bertha' chords, although I wouldn't say it's better than the standard chords. Nevertheless, unique and good = heady. Needs more votes so that more folks might check it out.
They Love Each Other
July 5, 1978
Omaha Civic Auditorium

Thanks darkstar67, I'm looking forward to digging into this set.
They Love Each Other
July 5, 1978
Omaha Civic Auditorium

Pure sounds good. Thanks, cgarces.
Uncle John's Band
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

I ain't heard no better version from '72.
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

Undeniably great but it's number of votes would suggest that it's far and away the best and I guess it is, but only because it's been great the most times for the most people. But therein lies its statistical blindside: many of the other fantastic versions have just been heard less and by even fewer people, and each has its own little story for why this is so.