headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+1297


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

Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Sept. 18, 1987
Madison Square Garden

^will have to check out this show! Always looking for more 80s shows as a 60s early 70s head. Thank you for the recommendations.
I Know You Rider
Sept. 16, 1966
Avalon Ballroom

Scorched earth I know You Rider. The blueprint is right here. Muddy water verse! Super heady with an almost surf psychedelic Bakersfield feel. 10/10
Good Lovin'
Dec. 10, 1971
Fox Theatre

Shocked that one of the best Good Lovin’s of all time is this low. Experimental jazzy quartet jamming that bounces it’s way through the music. Beautiful melodic interplay between everyone. Incredible rappin’ from Pigpen, the band explores yet is able to clearly follow Pigpen which doesn’t always happen. Really killer version.
Good Lovin'
April 29, 1972
Musikhalle

Keith Godchaux ladies and gentleman. The Groovemaster express has stopped by in Germany and everyone is invited for the ride. Sick version that deserves more love! Really listen to Keith on this one. Epic Pigpen raps, warning because he will most definitely jump in your saddle and ride.
Dark Star
April 29, 1972
Musikhalle

Seriously underrated. This one reminds me of a pantheon with each section of music dedicated to an ancient deity. Sick cautionesque jam near the end. Keith is also playing like a god on this one. While there is a lot of atonality, try and keep an open mind. I feel like that kind of jamming loses a lot of heads, but it’s that kind of artistry and imagination that made me fall in love with the band. Throw out everything you know about music and listen to how the band paints pictures through sound rather than following a certain “form” or a pattern. Use your imagination a little! This one is truly a living breathing organism, just as Jerry intended.