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 -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 5, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Arena

Giddy up is right, one of the most powerful, jammed out, bluesy performances of this song I’ve ever heard. Saddle up and catch them if you can. Gallops along with some incredibly deep interplay that’ll leave you speechless. Fantastic bluesy expression from Jerry that adds so much to this version, he had something on his mind that only the transition jam could be a vehicle for. Taken to infinity and back again. Might be my favorite of 74. Phil purs like the Cheshire Cat with his warm fuzzy bass sound as well. Some of the most top of the line psychedelic bluesy cowboy jamming you’ll find around these parts. Will be listening over and over again. Could really go anywhere it wanted.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Had to come here again to praise this incredible piece of music. One of the most well played China->Riders I’ve ever heard. I adore Jerry’s playing on this one. There are some wailing licks during the transition into Rider that really make this one for me. The band is taking the song wherever it wants to go. Really great rendition.
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Donna is awesome on this. Transitions right into Bertha so seamlessly. Great version.
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Incredibly intense. Not your entry level Playin’. One of the most densely packed jams you’ll hear in a year of already great Playin’s. This one is powerful, spiritual, and takes you through space and the ever expanding cosmos. Cataclysmic and free. Erupting with energy and reaches the very edge of the universe. one of the best I’ve ever heard. A very unique standout version that quickly became a new favorite that I’m going to listen to over, and over again. One of my all time favorite shows.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Hidden gem for sure. During Jerry’s solo I think I hear Jerry quote the chorus of “Patches” by Clarence Carter. I know it’s a similar melody so if anyone else has heard it somewhere else please let me know! Really tight version that’s genuinely up there with the best of 72. Great show.