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.
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Comments

Caution
Jan. 8, 1966
Fillmore Auditorium

It’s really cool to hear how Pigpen and Jerry fed off of each other. The way Jerry would create his own rhythmic movements, and how Pigpen would response, or vice versa. Jerry is really showing his blues influences, a true bluesmen and it’s clear where his passion was at the time. At the edge of chaos and dripping in psychedelia, for 66, this is very much out there. Reminds me of a fast Muddy Waters jam, like Got my Mojo Workin’ check out Muddy’s live at Newport version. You can really hear that influence.
The Other One
Dec. 12, 1972
Winterland Arena

From Truckin' onwards, it's a deep descent into underground passages and a full exploration into the underworld. Billy is like Charon guiding The Dead onwards through Acheron, meeting the oracle before Hades. Like exploring cavernous ravines and diving head first into the River Styx, and coming out of it living eternally in this wonderful space of music. Also, Phil's solo at the beginning reminds me of the coda of Eyes, in fact, this whole The Other One sounds like a beefier 74 version. Lovely.
Take A Step Back
Aug. 5, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Arena

Awesome jazzy chord buildup from Jerry. "Everyone stay where they are and take a deep breath, ahhhhh elbow room! isn't it wonderful?"
Deal
Aug. 5, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Arena

Phil as commanding as ever, his presence throughout this Deal makes this groove unlike any other. Check out his lines during the intro, you just know it's going to be good. It feels like Phil and the whole band for that matter are 10 steps ahead and taking the music to new places and heights. The Dead really brought this Deal to life. Also check out Billy building and building as Jerry sings don't you let that deal go down. The energy this show is unlike anything I've ever heard. The boys were feeling good that night.
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 5, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Arena

Jerry was unstoppable this night. One of those rare moments where it seemed like the ideas the band were messing around with translated perfectly to the listener. Keith brings me to that old saloon with that shining bottle of ruby red grenadine. The dynamics are quite stunning during the "Delilah Jones" section. Such urgency, such grace.
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