headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

4
Long Black Limousine
Jan. 31, 1970
The Warehouse

Showcases their versatility: Switched mid-way through an electric set into this moody beauty after Phil's amp blew out. Gorgeous.
3
Hard to Handle
Jan. 31, 1970
The Warehouse

More like the great '71s than the others from 1970. A hard enough rocker that it apparently nuked Phil's amp, leading to a wonderful acoustic set.
10
Dire Wolf
Jan. 31, 1970
The Warehouse

Introduced as a "paranoid fantasy song", but oh so sweet for all that. Perfect rendition.
13
Not Fade Away
Oct. 3, 1976
Cobo Arena

Part of an epic jam, plus an enormous China Cat tease at 10:45 in a 5-year spell without them. Very interesting groove, too.
7
Mason's Children
Jan. 31, 1970
The Warehouse

For anyone with a soft spot for psychedelic bubblegum, the jam the shit out of this one. Ruff cut in the middle though.
show more submissions

Comments

Dancin' in the Streets
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

About six minutes in the band hits the warp drive, followed not one, not two, but three or four shifts in tone and direction, creating whole new feelings and moods. It's unique and exploratory, while also hitting highlights of tight-assed superfunk. This is one of the best of the year, in a year full of just brilliant versions. The long transition to Wharf Rat is just amazing, and it's exactly what I listen for in the 1000s of hours I devote to this music.
Friend of the Devil
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Oomph and swagger here, with Donna's dulcet harmonies adding just that sweet touch that make the ballad interpretation so beautiful (though I'm partial to the uptempo bluegrass versions overall). This has a pulse that pushes against the tempo ever so nicely, helping the swing never drag. Keith leads a beautiful interlude during the middle section -- but then Jerry takes him to school with a blazing solo.
Deal
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

90's Deal fans should have a listen here for a great example of how they could turn this out in any era when the spirit took them. Jerry is just on fire here.
Might As Well
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

My personal theory is that they wouldn't play Might As Well unless Jerry was feeling pretty good, and it's therefore a decent indicator of an energetic show and good party. This show opener is no exception! The 9th gets all the love for its great 2nd set, but Dick knew what for by releasing it together with this show on the 10th. DP33 is genuinely better quality than the other versions on the Archive too.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Oct. 9, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium

The Slipknot reprise out of Samson is tremendous, and as far as I know unique. Rebuilding slipknot from a totally different groove than normal is just wildly impressive. (Not that it could be easy out of Help on the Way either, it's just a known animal.)
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)