headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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Submissions

1
Beat it on Down The Line
Sept. 3, 1972
Folsom Field, University of Colorado

Jerry’s solo is off the walls crazy. A train going top speed and I promise that train won’t slow down! Great energy here overall.
1
Cryptical Envelopment
Nov. 11, 1970
49th Street Rock Palace

As Jerry shouts, “You know he had to die.” BANG! A massive gunshot right on rhythm. Great reprise with great drum work from Billy and Mickey.
1
The Other One
Nov. 11, 1970
49th Street Rock Palace

Jerry takes off and soars. Gets really heavy, and out there FAST. Experimental passages and new themes explored. This is what the Dead do best.
1
Drums
Nov. 11, 1970
49th Street Rock Palace

Billy and Mickey flowing in and out of the main TOO rhythms. They’re both putting each other to the test as they really get deep in this one.
2
Uncle John's Band
July 11, 1970
Fillmore East

“At this risk of being repetitious we’re going to do another song in the key of G.”-Bob Weir. This version is quite sweet. Patchy audio, great version

Comments

Bertha
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

This is just as definitive as 4/14/72 if not more. As the comments above state, it’s criminal how low this is. Also the first Bertha I ever heard when I first started getting into the Dead.
Death Don't Have No Mercy
Dec. 1, 1966
Studio demo

Haunting is definitely the word. Incredible incredible early version. Reminds me of CCR’s version of I put a spell on you, just way more psychedelic. I’m floored.
Jack Straw
Aug. 24, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Needs more votes. Keith giving me chills with his wizard like piano playing. Joyful and inventive and adding new layers to this song. What a beautiful version.
If I Had The World To Give
Nov. 20, 1978
Cleveland Music Hall

Whale call city, and from Bobby no less. Sometimes I wish they played this more, but then it wouldn't make this special tune oh so special. Soulful and genuinely beautiful and melancholic. What a rare gem. Jerry kills it and performs his big ol heart out.
Shakedown Street
Nov. 20, 1978
Cleveland Music Hall

I'm pretty picky when it comes to my Shakedowns, especially these early versions, but man this has easily become one of my favorite versions out there. Captures the feel of the song incredibly well and is an impeccable showcase of the bands musicianship. Wolf gets funky and blue. Howlin' all night for it's darling. Just plain awesome.