headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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parrott56

millennial head

+4803


Submissions

3
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 10, 1983
Downs of Santa Fe

More sinister than seductively psychedelic. -> A fairly uptempo China Doll, forming one of my favorite ’83 combos.
3
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
June 19, 1989
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Just ferocious by the end of Rider, but there’s lots to enjoy all the way through this combo.
5
Ramble On Rose
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Much like the Philly version a week earlier, this one really shines.
10
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Subtly experimental transition jam seems to hint at “Feelin’ Groovy” without stating the theme outright.
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Just two days before one of the consensus favorites, this version is BLAZING.

Comments

Bird Song
Oct. 17, 1983
Olympic Center

'83: secretly the best year for Bird Song. Also check out 5/13 and 12/28, for starters.
Playin' In The Band
June 16, 1974
Iowa State Fairgrounds

I for one can’t get enough of these ’74 Playin’ spacefests. But then my concept of the ideal Grateful Dead absolutely includes the avant garde weirdness. If you’re looking for a Playin’ that goes down smooth, this ain’t it. But if you’re looking for a true sonic adventure (as rocky, disorienting, and revelatory as adventures are), grab a pair of headphones and strap the fuck in.
Feel Like A Stranger
July 10, 1989
Giants Stadium

A beaut. Points for execution and creativity.
Ramble On Rose
June 30, 1973
Universal Amphitheatre

Outstanding. Close to perfection.
Comes A Time
May 1, 1977
The Palladium

There’s also a unique jam in D major between the end of Comes a Time and the start of Playin’ Reprise. Well worth hearing.