headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49652


Submissions

6
Beat it on Down The Line
Aug. 21, 1972
Berkeley Community Theater

Has one of Jer's longest continuous strings of up-tempo 16th note solo lines (in the changes) I can recall. Wicked fast and right as rain.
3
He's Gone
Aug. 20, 1972
San Jose Civic Auditorium

This version, and the one on the 12th, are just butter. I admit to sometimes not even noticing He's Gone, but this is a high spot for it.
2
Me and Bobby McGee
Aug. 20, 1972
San Jose Civic Auditorium

One of those amazing versions of this underrated song where everyone is blazing along in collective improv to genius effect. Just beautiful.
3
Sugaree
Aug. 20, 1972
San Jose Civic Auditorium

Damn fine swagger on this one, in spite of a murky tape. Show cleans up after a few songs - thanks to C. Miller.
2
Truckin'
Aug. 12, 1972
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

High voltage 18-wheel Truckin'. Mix and sound on this show keep it in the shadow of others this month, but the music is all there.

Comments

The Other One
March 1, 1969
Fillmore West

This is the Danger Dead and it doesn't ask politely. It's hold on tight and hang on man, because this one left some casualties behind. Phil pushes everyone ever upwards and Jerry has that buzz-saw tone, leaving smoking craters behind him with every note. It's lightning fast, jaw-grinding, white-knuckle territory. The ensemble mind at this level of energy is just incredible. And agreed. MORE primal '69 Dead here please!
High Time
May 1, 1970
Alfred College

Feels like a feather bed, its so gentle, comfy, and warm. And coming out of soul-blistering TOO, this probably felt like a soft landing for everyone. This version shows off just how peak '70 is for vocals, along with the whole show ranging across country, blooze, gospel, hard rock, and strong acid shivers.
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
May 1, 1977
The Palladium

Boomy or not, Phil's contribution to this makes it special. He bips and bops under Jerry's solo transitioning out of LL and the whole band kicks up the dust and comes together for a great ride. The jagged odd-meter of LL>S and the sparkly angular tweak that Bobby brings make this a white-knuckler that you've got to just hang on and let ride. I think this show is relatively underappreciated next to others in this run... give it a go and you will not be disappointed.
Cassidy
May 1, 1977
The Palladium

I think this could be rated much much higher if people would give it a chance. There are a lot to choose from 'natch, but Jerry is shredding, and it doesn't feel slower at all. The harmonies, the tight orchestration, the beautiful words and Bobby and Donna sweetness give this one a turn-on-a-dime Neil-at-the-wheel feeling like dozing off in the safety of home-on-the-road, and love, and racing through the empty miles in that Cadillac.
Ramble On Rose
May 1, 1977
The Palladium

The rowdy crowd fills out the AUD nicely, and this Ramble on Rose is high energy to match.