headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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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.
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Comments

Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Dec. 11, 1972
Winterland Arena

12 minutes of pure bliss. Stupidly good Half Step, you can hear the synthesis for so many great versions later to come right in this version, stunning melodic improvisation that will later become a staple for the song. They’re ON
Here Comes Sunshine
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

Jerry day dreams in the hot summer sun. A psychedelic odyssey which enters mountainous terrain. Underrated version.
Cumberland Blues
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Carrion once again with a perfect description for this rocking kickass version. Feels like this trains going to derail any second but it’s the fine line between chaos and order that really makes this one. One of the best ever for me, aggressive and triumphant, while raging through the whole song. Amazing.
Cumberland Blues
Nov. 15, 1971
The Austin Municipal Auditorium

The best of the best. Hold on because this relentless version of Cumberland Blues never loses energy and takes your right down the mines. Keith is jangling away, a country blues ragtime riff envelopes the song and the energy resonates with the whole band. Jerry is on FIRE, laying down licks and creating incredibly rhythmic interplay between everyone. Vocals are on, the playing is creative, easily one of my favorites and a staple in my listening rotation. I recommend 10/31/71, 9/24/72, and 6/23/74 for some incredible rockin’ versions of this tune as well.
Dark Star
Nov. 15, 1971
The Austin Municipal Auditorium

My personal favorite Dark Star>El Paso. The jamming that ensues after El Paso is so macabre and spacey I love it. This one is one of the most unique I’ve ever heard and a cool example of how Keith truly changed the dynamic of the band. Classic show, classic Dark Star. Can never go wrong.
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