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

Black Throated Wind
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

^Agreed. But still endearing. The versions from 11/17/72 & 5/19/74 are hard to beat, however.
Tennessee Jed
May 21, 1977
Lakeland Civic Center

Never heard another Jed where Jerry employs the Mutron. A unique take indeed, and one of the best of the era - up there with 1/22/78 & 12/16/78!
Dark Star
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

I struggled with this one being ranked #1, but I’ve come to conclude that its slot is really where it should be. This Dark star is one of the darkest Stars; what’s more is the vast musical movements it takes, coupled with the superlative ensemble playing. Everybody is inspired and locked in, with each member being a finger of the collective hand. The musical conversations are out of the cosmos! This beast rocks, swings, crawls and sprawls in a psychedelic tinged voodoo gumbo of musical idioms from other planets, from other galaxies. An institution of higher learning should offer a course of study on this Star. We can all learn something new with each listen…
The Other One
Feb. 27, 1969
Fillmore West

^Agree this one holds up well compared to the others of the run, but 3/1/69 is even better (and ranked higher). Still doesn't trump Harpur for me, though.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
March 18, 1977
Winterland Arena

I neglected this one for a long time, assuming it would be inferior to the more developed and realized combos that happened in May. In a way I was right, but I have to admit one should never judge a book in the great library of the Grateful Dead! I really enjoyed this one. I can’t call this one definitive, but I’ll say it’s unique and thrilling, and a worthy addition once the titan versions of the year have been explored and enjoyed. The wah-wah in Fire, especially from (5:30-7:20 ) is raw, funky, powerful & emotive. Hunter Seamons offers another great Matrix.
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