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

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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