headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49652


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

Hard to Handle
Aug. 7, 1971
Golden Hall

Hot and greasy, like the best of them. I love how Phil just floors it around minute six. But this one doesn't quite shoot me over the falls in a barrel the way some do: Bobby's solo is a bit limp by comparison to others from this era and the crescendo before the final verse drops out before Pigpen comes back in. There are so many great ones to choose from in '71. Check out the April Fillmore East shows, ouch!
El Paso
Aug. 7, 1971
Golden Hall

Heartbreaking waltz tempo: Last dance in Texas; farewell desperado. Sweet and lovely. Thanks for the links DarkStar67!
Me and My Uncle
June 5, 1969
Fillmore West

Bobby's got a snarl that just exudes violence. I love this version and the surf-punk cowboy sound that was still part of the Danger Dead sound.
Death Don't Have No Mercy
Oct. 12, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

Hot Goddamn, that just rips. A crescendo of energy and power, it builds up to a beautiful peak.
Cassidy
Sept. 26, 1980
Warfield Theater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTUYH8LP2Jc