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

China Cat Sunflower
June 5, 1969
Fillmore West

Late 60s China Cats are becoming a new favorite for me. This one is so acid drenched your headphones might actually melt off. Sick transition into Sittin’ on Top of The World to top off, this one’s just plain sick.
Dark Star
June 5, 1969
Fillmore West

^exactly that, this entire shows that the boys were psychedelic warriors on a quest, on a mission. Lysergic dripped jams all through out this show.
Not Fade Away
June 4, 1977
The Forum

Speedy NFA guaranteed to chop your head off if you’re not careful. Damn this a good one. This show needs some more love!!
Eyes Of The World
March 28, 1973
Civic Center

Like a cool pail of water was dunked over your head. The boys are getting comfortable with this song and they end up taking it to new heights, the most developed version at that point in my opinion. The outro jam is filled with jazzy arcane energy, they're genuinely feeling it and produce this magical earthy jam that can't be replicated. The sequence starting from WRS Prelude>DS>Eyes>PITB is one for the ages. Beautiful and powerful music.
Dark Star
March 28, 1973
Civic Center

Might be the best of 73. A very uniquely played WRS prelude that drops you into this crystalline cavernous wonderland of a Dark Star. A spiral of energy, I feel my soul reaching the outer edges of the universe. A journey through the inner self that pokes and prods at the psyche. Heaven and Hell collide as 7 trumpets are sounded to announce the beginning of the end. Our souls begin our journey to the next life as they transition into Eyes. Beautiful and profound Dark Star.