headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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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

Drums -> Space
May 13, 1978
The Spectrum

Also lots of imagery of being around a Native powwow circle with the shaman playing the flute to protect and ward off evil entities.
Caution
Feb. 5, 1969
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium

The cut is insanely brutal. I think if this did not have the cut right at the beginning this would be more regarded as one of the best of all time. What we do have is one of the most psychedelic and twist your subconscious swirling versions of all time. A demented lysergic carnival ride that shows the bands true free wheeling San Fransico energy on full display. Listen to the vocal interplay between the boys and Pigpen which is one of the coolest moments of their career. The guitar playing of Jerry is twisted and sends the listener spiraling down a whirlpool of chaotic energy. This right here is the reason why these guys were the kings of their scene. reminds me of Cream and Black Sabbath in terms of the heaviness and the way they jam this out. Absolutely a must listen even with the cut.
The Eleven
Feb. 5, 1969
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium

Like burning white sage and cleansing evil entities from your mind, body, and soul. Smoking doesn’t even begin to describe it. A spiritual exercise that its own musical rosary, guarantees a cleansing. The ending jam goes from acid psych rock to inter dimensional blues really fast. The duel between Jerry and the rhythm devils will have you grinning ear to ear for days.
Row Jimmy
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

This one really moved me, groovy, powerful, and spiritual. Sailing into uncharted sea’s with endless optimism for the journey ahead. Beautiful stuff.
Brown Eyed Women
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

Check out Bobby, high in the mix(as he should be) and laying down some beautiful chords that take this version from an average part of the set to an utterly sweet and tender rendition that leaves you smiling the whole way through.