headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

9
Sugaree
Sept. 10, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

So perfect, it's hard to believe that people could improvise music like this together. This amazing show deserves a clean-up!
14
Big River
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

Overlooked: Between one of this site's favorite HCSs and one of its favorite Dark Stars is a perfect, articulate, and virtuoso version of Big River.
3
Casey Jones
Oct. 28, 1972
Cleveland Public Hall

Just outrageous. Problematic show b/c of mix and cuts in the source. Not here: just a blizzard of jam.
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 28, 1972
Cleveland Public Hall

Show is overlooked b/c mix problems, but they're absolutely on fire and this version shreds like all get-out. Call C. Miller for this one please!
6
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 28, 1972
Cleveland Public Hall

Could be massively heady, but Billy is so high in the mix that it's hard to follow others. Any cleaner versions out there? Has everything but the mix.
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Comments

Dancin' in the Streets
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

About six minutes in the band hits the warp drive, followed not one, not two, but three or four shifts in tone and direction, creating whole new feelings and moods. It's unique and exploratory, while also hitting highlights of tight-assed superfunk. This is one of the best of the year, in a year full of just brilliant versions. The long transition to Wharf Rat is just amazing, and it's exactly what I listen for in the 1000s of hours I devote to this music.
Friend of the Devil
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Oomph and swagger here, with Donna's dulcet harmonies adding just that sweet touch that make the ballad interpretation so beautiful (though I'm partial to the uptempo bluegrass versions overall). This has a pulse that pushes against the tempo ever so nicely, helping the swing never drag. Keith leads a beautiful interlude during the middle section -- but then Jerry takes him to school with a blazing solo.
Deal
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

90's Deal fans should have a listen here for a great example of how they could turn this out in any era when the spirit took them. Jerry is just on fire here.
Might As Well
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

My personal theory is that they wouldn't play Might As Well unless Jerry was feeling pretty good, and it's therefore a decent indicator of an energetic show and good party. This show opener is no exception! The 9th gets all the love for its great 2nd set, but Dick knew what for by releasing it together with this show on the 10th. DP33 is genuinely better quality than the other versions on the Archive too.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Oct. 9, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium

The Slipknot reprise out of Samson is tremendous, and as far as I know unique. Rebuilding slipknot from a totally different groove than normal is just wildly impressive. (Not that it could be easy out of Help on the Way either, it's just a known animal.)
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