headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

2
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 26, 1971
Gaelic Park

At risk of putting all '71 up here. Tell me to stop if too much! I just love the twangy country versions, knowing the evolution in store for it.
12
Wharf Rat
Aug. 23, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Extremely powerful. Strong vocals, massive sound, tremendous jam, great mix. Coming off 30 minutes of TOO like a parachute from the ionosphere.
3
Bird Song
Aug. 23, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Intricate zigzagging solo work from Jerry, tight ensemble playing. Doesn't ever "soar" like some of them, but more exploratory and compelling.
3
Casey Jones
Aug. 23, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

They announce the set-break, then decide to blow out the tubes on this one, capping one of the best 1st sets of 1971.
4
Loser
Aug. 23, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Snarling guitar solo and great organ sound in an excellently mixed (Bobby audible always a plus) SBD. The whole first set is sweet heady goodness.
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Comments

Cassidy
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Thank you John Perry, you've brought endless joy with your art. This was one of your masterpieces, and it's been in my head every day when I wake up for a week now. I'm writing this just after learning about your passing, and just want to listen to Bobby sing your words all day. "Catch-colt draws the coffin cart" indeed, indeed.
Cold Rain and Snow
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Always my favorite show opener. It would just put a smile on everyone's face and let you know the boys had some grit in them. This one is sweet and mellow with a devilish strong backbeat pushing it forward and the delicious harmonies that make '76 so special.
Stella Blue
June 15, 1976
Beacon Theatre

The intro almost sounds like they were going into a jam before the melody. It's one of the slowest ones to date, but doesn't really drag. Instead it becomes atmospheric and floating, almost like a Stella Blue in the form of a vapor or fragmented images out of SB dream. Jerry does get you there in the end: The final minute of the solo is the definition of "epic heady".
St. Stephen
June 15, 1976
Beacon Theatre

Really special version. Sort of just emerges to the audience's great joy. Moves into a unique NFA too. Great way to open the set.
Bertha
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

Might come as a surprise for fans of the classic off-to-the-races, running from the law show opener we all know and love, but this one is unique to my ears and worth all the love. Sorry Donnie, but they looooooved messing with expectations of what "should be" and was "supposed to be" this way or that. And why not shift the tempo down and try it as a mellow shuffle? Don't like it that way, switch it up and try it as a country carnaval again.... Was Good Lovin' "supposed" to be Pigpen's blues or Bobby's Caribbean-lite dance and clap-along on the very next song? Or maybe shifting expectations was the name of the game after all? C'mon man, ease up.
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