headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49637


Submissions

7
Around and Around
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Usually a toss-off for me, and maybe it's Chuck Berry's passing that makes me think of it, but this version kicks serious ass. Deliberate and strong.
10
Bird Song
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Crisp, articulate, deliberate. This is as strong a statement about what this song could be in '72 as I know. Airplay levels of concision.
7
Cold Rain and Snow
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Always loved this one early in the first set, 'cause it meant the boys meant business. This one has a loose, comfortable sound, but with high energy.
8
Bertha
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Masterclass from the Philzone here. He tears this one up.
9
Loser
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Driven version. Purposeful, biting, and strong, with a high-tension wire energy. They meant business.
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Comments

Eyes Of The World
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

Right off the bat Jerry just sparkles. Slithery solo lines announce that this will take you there. Nice to here Bobby in the mix too. Agreed, this has a mellowness to it, maybe from Phil hanging back on the beat. Feels like a few clicks slower than the cokey versions from later in the year. Donna's light touch works in nicely for an added treat, and Phil's solo gives me blissed-out shivers, recalling my time in The Zone.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

Double post. Sorry.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

They drag and splatter the Help a bit, and just imagine the fear in your heart if your band doesn't get it together before the knuckle-busting Slipknot! comes along. It's one of the most challenging pieces of music they ever performed, and even the finest band in the land tended to spin out. Well it seems that right on that cowbell cue they tightened right up. Best Slipknot! ever? I can't say with certainty, but it's up there: Jerry's fuzzy sky-saw buzztone makes its extra spacey and cool. It isn't the fastest or tightest, but it's one of the most interesting for sure.
Tennessee Jed
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

I'm one of those Heads who doesn't get all twitchy with excitement when Jed's on the setlist, but the buzz around this one is justified. Jerry puts it right to you after the 'kicked my dog' line with a blistering high-tension twang that just bites down hard and doesn't let go. The shout chorus builds and builds, making this one a crackin' good hair-raising stem-winder of a Jed.
Dark Star
Nov. 26, 1972
San Antonio Civic Auditorium

Hey Bzfgt! I don't know if other heads refer to Jerry's tone as a "whale call" or "whale song", but sometimes he launches a series of sweeping, bending tones like a great transmission of deep meaning beaming in from beyond the deep deep dark. Outer-space or under water, like great groaning whales communicating across an infinite dark space or like the searchlight casting for faults, if we're only there to pick up on the signal. Check out 1 August '73 after the first verse (around 15:15) for when they go fully submarine.... There's a bit of it in the Veneta Dark Star, too. Enjoy the search and enjoy the ride, fellow traveler.
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