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.

Comments

They Love Each Other
Dec. 18, 1993
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Nice version! This stands as a friendly reminder that there are nuggets of greatness to be uncovered, post 1991. Goes to show, you don't ever know!
Mountains of the Moon
April 5, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

Jerry said of Mountains of the Moon that it was "one of my favorite ones. I thought it came off like a little gem." I couldn't agree more. They played it only 13 times, and tonight's version is the best one we've got. There are five versions currently ranked above this one, though the reason for this eludes me. 2/11/69 and 2/27/69 has been officially released, and 2/22/69 and 3/1/69 are considered by many to be among the top 5 shows of 1969, so I suppose that makes some sense. But unlike those versions, this Mountains segues seamlessly from acoustic to electric (without pause) into Dark Star in that beautifully haunting way. The jam at the end of Mountains is also longer, more intense and mystical than the ones that came before it. And the Dark Star that follows is very tasty indeed. There's a great sounding source on the archive. Listen, marvel and vote.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Jerry breaks a string outta the gate, allowing bobby to stretch the intro. This is a stupendous version, all told. A favorite show from a favorite era!
Bird Song
Sept. 15, 1972
Boston Music Hall

^^^ Ditto to all that's said above. It's among the very best of 1972; a sibling of 8/27, 9/27 & 11/17! This is in dire need of a serious up-vote. I also feel obliged to say that it's superior to the 9/21 version, that of course has the advantage of being officially released.
Bird Song
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Indeed, this period is an embarrassment of riches for many songs; Dark Star, Other One, Playin', Bird Song. This Bird flies with beauty and conviction. There's several extraordinary performances from the period: 9/15, 9/17, 9/27, 11/19 and 11/17 (my favorite). This night belongs in that company, I think. Cheers for the friendly reminder about this one; now it's time to revisit the Playin' and Dark Star->drums->dark star jam->China Cat Sunflower->I know You Rider from this show. Epic!