headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+1291


Submissions

1
Mister Charlie
Dec. 4, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

The blues is strong here, Jerry's solo is truly incredible. Keith laying it down with Pigpen in the Garden rapping up a storm. One of the best.
1
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 23, 1978
Capital Centre

The band tries to catch Jerry and wolf as they’re seemingly on the loose. Traversing through snowy mountaintops. A wonderful journey.
1
Good Lovin'
March 9, 1981
Madison Square Garden

Brent’s organ takes this to another level. I’m partial towards the Pigpen Version, but this shines in its own ways. Lovely phrasing from Jerry as well
1
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
March 9, 1981
Madison Square Garden

Shocked to not see this here yet. Absolute scorcher from a really great show. Jerry’s tone cuts through like a scorching hot knife. Skin your wife.
1
Drums
Aug. 12, 1972
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

Coming out of He's Gone. Billy goes ham, hitting the drums like a machine gun.
show more submissions

Comments

Playin' In The Band
April 24, 1972
Rheinhalle

General J. Garcia takes full command of the music and sends everybody within a 100 foot radius spiraling into 4th dimensional exploration. This music truly gives meaning to the phrase: Above, So Below. One of my all time favorite versions. A sweet, sweet treat that I will listen to over and over and over again. Love revisiting this version and show.
Death Don't Have No Mercy
April 20, 1969
Clark University

Dangerous solo. Haunting, shadowy, and brilliantly spooky, really great display of the bands dynamics as well.
Doin' That Rag
April 20, 1969
Clark University

Really great version that caught my ear, bouncy and captures that 69 sound so well.
The Harder They Come
May 20, 1990
Hilo Civic Auditorium

This might be my favorite version. For a whole month or so I would listen to this version multiple times daily as I would take my guitar and jam away for hours on end. It’s fun, free spirited, and a beautiful example of the pinnacle of Jerry’s musical expression in the later era of his life. Stunning vocals with great lead work from Jerry, that his him playing with such pure intention that listening is like a baptism in sound. I really love the pre hiatus versions and the versions from 76-78, but this just has that charm that hits me like no other, and Merl with that “steel pan” solo? Come on now. Just plain fun. Beautiful island vibes from this version.
Catfish John
Feb. 18, 1978
Veterans Memorial Auditorium

I wish I could list Lonesome And Long Way From Home from this show as well. That version is my all time favorite with one of my favorite deep spaces Jerry’s ever explored. His tone is so crystal clear and his playing is a real display of pure virtuosity with him channeling Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, and Art Tatum so seamlessly in these jazzy free form spaces. For 78 it gets really out there. That being said check out this whole show, some of the best JGB material out there.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)