headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+1295


Submissions

1
Candyman
Oct. 30, 1977
Assembly Hall - Indiana University

Keith stands out on this crystalline version. A stunning performance as the band is completely in synch with each other. Watch out for that solo too.
1
They Love Each Other
Oct. 30, 1977
Assembly Hall - Indiana University

Lovely version with a really great Keith solo, Jerry’s solo right after is equally as moving. Don’t miss this one.
1
Samson and Delilah
Sept. 29, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Played with a real sense of urgency. Bobby growls away as Jerry explores a new approach to his soloing. This is a scorcher.
1
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Sept. 29, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Jerry plays away his sorrows on top of the rhythm devil’s swinging beats. Sweet as can be with some real magical energy here.
1
Feelin' Groovy Jam
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

First ever in a China>Rider pairing. Makes for some wonderful music to start off this stellar show.
show more submissions

Comments

Big River
Aug. 13, 1975
Great American Music Hall

If I had a dollar for every time I played this song, I wouldn’t have a worry for the rest of my waking days. This to me is the definitive Big River, a version that melts you into a puddle while shooting you into oblivion. Jerry tears a new one into this with his clever and incredible playing. Roaring and soaring blues wailing, Jerry taught the weeping willow how to cry. Keith’s electric piano sound also goes really well with the acid cowboy exploration they got going on. Will always have a special place in my heart.
Johnny B. Goode
March 23, 1975
Kezar Stadium

Needs more votes, genuinely swinging and the purest Rock and Roll you can get around these parts.
Drums
March 23, 1975
Kezar Stadium

Nice to hear Billy and Mickey back on drums, on this one you can hear that they're not fighting each other at all. Billy throws in an idea, Mickey interprets it and responds back, classic primal drums from a later era show. Sick transition back into King Solomon's Marbles.
King Solomon's Marbles
March 23, 1975
Kezar Stadium

Holy shit. Carrion right again with the Miles influence on this one. This is one of the best jams they have ever put to tape. It's intense, full of life, a new species of animal could be born from this music it's that full of life. Total annihilation of the psyche that zaps you right in the brain and sends you down a whirlpool of magic through sound. Oh how I wish that The Dead continued to explore this side of their music. Drums/Space could be so limiting compared to the Avant Garde heights they reached in the 60s-75. I love 76 onwards but to me this is the Dead at their purest. Continuously inventive that transports you to different multiverses. This is it.
Blues For Allah
March 23, 1975
Kezar Stadium

A deep atonal space that showcases how far the band was able to take this kind of music. True students of freeform jazz in which those abilities are put on full display. Hints of Sun Ra, Lonnie Liston Smith, incredible combination of sound and imagination. Personal favorite version.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)