headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49707


Submissions

16
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 23, 1972
Strand Lyceum

A more rocking version than others from the time, and oddly overlooked. Jumps off Cat right away into the long transition. Energetic stuff here.
13
Black Throated Wind
May 23, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Is there a single one from '72 that doesn't end in triumph? This song just got better and better throughout Europe. Surprised this wasn't here yet.
11
Sugar Magnolia
May 13, 1972
Lille Fairgrounds

Perfect musical sunshine. This one even got my not-at-all-into-the-Dead wife to dance around like a trippin' hippy, so you know it's good.
15
Truckin'
May 13, 1972
Lille Fairgrounds

Unforgivable that you guys overlook Truckin'. There's a reason it's the one song non-heads know. This one is a forgotten colossus. Listen up.
8
Mister Charlie
May 13, 1972
Lille Fairgrounds

Distinctly slower, with a greasier funk vibe. Surprised it isn't here. Different from the others and lots of fun.

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....