headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49652


Submissions

3
Cumberland Blues
Dec. 15, 1971
Hill Auditorium

Joyful chaos: A brilliant splatter. Bobby's voice never sounded so good to me as it did in '71.
5
Mister Charlie
Dec. 15, 1971
Hill Auditorium

Pigpen at his best with the band at its grit-in-the-gears crunchiest. They were on this night and this one is just full of butt.
6
Wharf Rat
Dec. 12, 1973
Omni Coliseum

Very passionate version, some distortion or tape speed issues (?) remind me of my cassette trading days and bring out the trippiness to the song.
11
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 12, 1973
Omni Coliseum

If this hard grooving China jam and Feeling Groovy transition doesn't just get you moving, then nothing can. Just perfect.
10
Pretty Peggy O
Dec. 12, 1973
Omni Coliseum

First version ever is real nice... but listen to the soundcheck version for insight into the bands working dynamics. Cool to hear them working on it.
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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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