headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1585


Submissions

1
Loser
Oct. 30, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

Best Loser you haven’t heard yet! Jerry takes the solo for an extra walk around the block! Required listening folks!
1
Candyman
March 7, 1981
Cole Field House

Jerry’s tone is just impeccable here! Moreover, Jerry adds a tad more umph to the soulful vocals. A standout of the era!
2
Big River
Oct. 21, 1973
Omaha Civic Auditorium

Blazing version, but I nominated it primarily for its placement within the context of the tasty Playin'->Half-Step->Big River->Playin' sandwich.
3
Deal
June 30, 1973
Universal Amphitheatre

Jerry's pipes never sounded sweeter, and Keith's barrel-house piano chops complements perfectly!
6
Deal
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

Deserves mention.
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Comments

Loser
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

Indeed better than Cornell, but so is 5/19/77 & 9/3/77. Of the three, I'd give the nod to this date by a whisker, but they're all good.
The Wheel
Sept. 28, 1976
Onondaga County War Memorial

Don't speak too soon, for the wheel's still in spin. Spin this Wheel for a '76 nasayer, and you might see the wheels start spinning in their heads. This beauty rolls and flows.
Sugaree
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

I agree as well. Nice to see two fellow '76 junkies. I always thought 6/11 & 7/17 were the crown jewel versions of the year, but they're in good company with this one.
Playin' In The Band
May 26, 1973
Kezar Stadium

Can’t decide the better of Jerry’s axes’, but one thing I know is that this version is a top ten for the year, a year in which there’s a colossal sea of stellar Playin's to wade through. This one delivers time and time again.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 21, 1973
Assembly Hall, University Of Illinois

Dick Latvala went even further and called 1973 “The best year of all-time, as far as uniqueness and jamming and variety are concerned.” I don’t always agree with Dick’s assessments, but I do on this front! I appreciate y’all giving a shout-out to this overlooked date. I love ‘Ernie5’s above description of this one – spot on! Although this version doesn’t sparkle like the stellar 2/15/73, it’s still a unique gem all its own. More Feb ’73 goodness for sure.
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