headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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Submissions

1
Drums
Dec. 10, 1972
Winterland Arena

Supercharged Billy at the helm deconstructing and building layers of structure like a master architect. Some of his most inventive fills put to record
1
Me and My Uncle
July 16, 1972
Dillon Stadium

Notable for coming straight out of Cumberland and the alternate lyrics “And I Grabbed the Bottle, Grabbed Him in the Jaw” A cowboy classic.
1
Promised Land
Aug. 5, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Arena

Firing on all cylinders right out the gate. I'm certain Jerry's fretboard caught fire after that first solo. Impossible not to groove to.
1
El Paso
Dec. 4, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Delicate. Like a last waltz of the cowboy and his love, with each lick from Jerry conveying the urgency of the story. Keith makes such an impact here.
1
Cumberland Blues
Dec. 4, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Part of the beginning is cut off, but that doesn't stop this train from rolling on down the mines. Short and sweet.
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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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