headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


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.

Comments

The Other One
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

No doubt about it. They kick off the tour with a killer TOO, which is a stand-alone great that deserves to be higher. But considering the Playin'>Truckin> that proceeds it, it's out-and-out jaw dropping: Many faces stolen in Britain that night....
Truckin'
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

There are reasons why people who don't know the Dead or who've never gone to a show know Truckin'. Listen here and you get reminded why. This whole segment of Playin'>Truckin'>TOO is brilliant.
Playin' In The Band
June 17, 1972
Hollywood Bowl

This one is a minor beast, and though short, packs a whole lotta music into it.
Playin' In The Band
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

This one is pretty fuckin' hard rock, too. Everything said above is right on. The 10 minute versions from this era have dropped all the '71 country sound, and this one also is notable for not having any The Main Ten interlude after the melody. Playin' starts to lift off from right at this point.
Black Throated Wind
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Best one ever, chronologically speaking. I think this shows just how hard they were working on their new songs, as each show shows new heights. The next night goes even higher, but what a pleasure it is to listen to these shows in order....