headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+1297


Submissions

1
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 15, 1969
Lanai Theater

Bouncy as it is lysergic. Unique phrasing from Jerry. Everybody’s vocals are on. The Rider is some pure country fried jamming if I’ve ever heard it.
1
Turn On Your Love Light
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

This is The Dead at peak performance level. Cataclysmic version. Everyone is ON. Explorative and not a beat missed. Easily top 5 of 69.
2
Dire Wolf
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Nice early electric version. Always preferred this key for Dire Wolf compared to when they changed it in the later years. Just right. Nice version.
1
Next Time You See Me
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Takes you right to Chicago. Jerry’s playing emulates the blues greats. Hard rocking version that reminds me of a Junior Wells cut. Highly recommend.
1
High Time
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Haunting organ playing. Crystalline and psychedelic early version that feels very spacey. Great vocal delivery.

Comments

Dire Wolf
April 26, 1972
Jahrhunderthalle

Peak dead. A perfect rendition.
Big River
Nov. 5, 1977
Community War Memorial Auditorium

Such a fun version! You can tell the band is just riding a good wave of energy and for me, Jerry’s solos can make or break a Big River for me and that first solo just had me picking my jaw up from the floor. Goes from a real tight rockin beat and in the middle of Jerry’s second solo switches to a groovey syncopated beat. Super fun! Also shout out to that one guy in the audience yelling his heart out for Samson and Delilah. Made me chuckle
Doin' That Rag
Feb. 22, 1969
Dream Bowl

Jerry Jerry Jerry!!!
Dark Star
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

Feels like an Area 51 experiment in the best way possible. If anyone on this site has ever watched the movie "Annihilation" then this is what this Dark Star reminds me off. Specifically with some of those intergalactic 4th dimension breaking space sections it reminds me when the protagonist in the movie comes in contact with the extraterrestrial being. A Dark Star for the ages and one of the best ever. Such deep space explored. Dark matter all over this one.
Dark Star
Sept. 19, 1970
Fillmore East

Another landmark version. This time, a few of Einsteins theories get proven through music.