headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

1
Big Railroad Blues
Dec. 31, 1970
Winterland Arena

Not on the list, but hidden in an unfortunately cut Easy Wind. Tinny recording but killer, fast, and furious jamming.
7
Smokestack Lightnin'
Dec. 28, 1970
Legion Stadium

Soulful pure blues. This is an intimate, informal show. It ain't slick, and that's just fine.
1
Playin' In The Band
April 15, 1971
Allegheny College

Only 2 months old, and 22nd time: They were working hard on it, and you can hear the explosive potential. Manic warbler mode, Main 10 at the surface.
1
Truckin'
Dec. 28, 1970
Legion Stadium

Tight simmering burner here, with nice Bobby/Jerry mix levels. Pig on organ is a little lost, so try headphones for some fun.
1
Me and Bobby McGee
Dec. 27, 1970
Legion Stadium

Starts simple and grows into a triumph. Can't help but think these meant a lot to the boys right after JJ's passing. Beautiful.
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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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