headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

1
Playin' In The Band
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

This is a weird one. At times it seems like they forgot it was PiTB and went back to the HSF jam. Fun, but waaaaaaaaay loose.
1
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

Short, sweet, brand new, and flawless.
1
Friend of the Devil
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

Brilliant early "slow version". I always prefered the desperado fast-paced ones, but this turns into a brilliant exploration and improv vehicle.
3
Uncle John's Band
Dec. 31, 1972
Winterland Arena

Uptempo, powerful, strong vocals. This is top shelf UJB. With David Crosby for that extra oomph, and with a tigh outro, it's strangely not here yet.
4
Jack Straw
Dec. 31, 1972
Winterland Arena

Like every other song in the first set, this is just pristine, air-play level perfection. Beautiful fills by Keith here, too.
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

A high-end and uptempo jumper. One of those rare moments where "just exactly perfect" applies without a single note out of place. This is all about the Rider, as they transition out of China Cat without a jam. Listen to the delicate, elegant and wonderful Keith fills in all the right places in all the in between places. Sole caveat: the Mike Lai tape has great separation and sound, but may well be a half-tone fast, adding to the lovely urgency, but not necessarily faithful to the original sound.
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

This is like a '77 version transplanted back in time to '72. Are there others like it from this early that had that backbeat shuffle to it and uptempo polish? If so, I don't know of 'em. Interesting new take on a well-established vehicle from years early. Cool.
Bird Song
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Oh yes this is a beauty, right up there with the best of the immortal '72s. I don't often comment twice on a song, but this one is definitely worth it. If Jerry's long solo is the Bird then Bobby is a gusting wind around him, with Keith the rolling soundclouds, and Phil and Billy sweet distant thunder.
Black Throated Wind
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Very strong version. This first set just kicks off so well, they were totally switched on this night. I think the Mike Lai version sounds better, even if possibly pitched a smidge sharper.
Wharf Rat
Nov. 15, 1972
Oklahoma City Music Hall

A perfect sounding mix really brings out everyone's contribution here. There are a few humanizing stumbles early on, but anyone overlooking this one is missing on an exceptionally beautiful and interesting Wharf Rat.
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