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.
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Comments

China Doll
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

Was thinking about this particular version a lot today. I didn’t even realize it was the top version. It deserves it. It takes you to a really comforting place if you’re in need of some healing. Heavy and beautiful. Like crystals in a cavern.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Flawless, enchanting and witchy China>Rider. My personal favorite version. Tranquil yet holds a lot of power. Will instantly put you in a trance, further evidence that magic really does exist. Coming out of a Chimera of a Dark Star, this spellbinding version takes you places you'd never thought you'd be able to go before. Inspiring and timeless, the entire Dark Star>China>Rider feels like a seance. Just perfect.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 24, 1973
Civic Arena

Some small but smile inducing Friend of The Devil and Tico Tico teases at the beginning. Sweet sweet China Cat Sunflower take me away. So playful and carefree. Lots of subtle yet incredible interplay. The energy on this is simply amazing. Jerry channels The Cheshire Cat as Alice makes her way through wonderland. Beautiful transition into Rider, which feels strong rhythmically. A particularly thumping version. Great version.
Big River
Sept. 24, 1973
Civic Arena

Sick Keith Solo!
Weather Report Suite
Sept. 24, 1973
Civic Arena

Killer killer sax lines at the end. This is by definition, Heady.
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