headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49742


Submissions

11
Candyman
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Beautiful harmonies and country soul. Brilliant and historically important show.
10
Playin' In The Band
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

First performance ever and it's slower, but beautiful and raw. Bobby sings like a country warbler typical of the '71s. Historically interesting.
15
Greatest Story Ever Told
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Primordial version, first time played, introduced as "Mickey wants to call this one 'The Pump Man' for reasons of his own." Raw and unlike any other.
19
Loser
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

First Loser ever and the last Mickey show before his break. Brilliant version, hot energetic vocals and that good '71 sound.
15
Hurts Me Too
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Dripping with deep-soul. Pigpen's voice at its best. Sounds like honey.
show more submissions

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.)
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)