headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DaGoodolRichard

TimelessTravel

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Submissions

6
Big Railroad Blues
Oct. 31, 1971
Ohio Theatre

Just about as good as this song ever got. Just the right tempo and mix. Keith was adding some delightful honkytonk piano, and he was just a month in!
5
Deal
Oct. 31, 1971
Ohio Theatre

Perfect tempo and playing on this 71 version from a really good halloween show.
4
Bertha
Oct. 31, 1971
Ohio Theatre

An energetic, well mixed 71Bertha that's been missed somehow. Keth had been in the band for only a month but already fitting in very well.
7
Tennessee Jed
May 23, 1972
Strand Lyceum

An almost forgotten Jed! This is well played and well recorded. Pig even plays organ on this one. Suprising ommision from such a stellar show!
1
Turn On Your Love Light
July 11, 1969
NY State Pavilion, Flushing Meadow Park

The drummers are fired up on this one. Even T.Cs joining in on this energetic version. This gets an Allman Brothers flavor at times.
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Comments

Dark Star
Oct. 26, 1989
Miami Arena

When this song came out on 1968, the most advanced electronics where wa-wa peddles and Wurlitzer pianos. By 1989 midi and advanced digital synthesizers had become common place. The boys take the new technology to their full advantage here, especially the sound scape after the 2nd verse. Jerry has been in better vocal form, but at least that doesn't last long. Overall, this is an interesting version but far from being my favorite.
Dark Star
Feb. 27, 1969
Fillmore West

This one has a lot of energy. Bobby sounds especially good on this one; his guitar is up in the mix, which helps. The dynamics and inventiveness of Jerry's playing is displayed very well here. I wish I had been at that concert.
Dark Star
Oct. 12, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

This could be my favorite D.S, mostly because of Jerry's guitar playing. I love the tone and feed back that he was getting back then. He really builds the solo after the first verse. Then, at about 9.50 min he pulls out a country lick then returns to his souring psychedelic licks; it all works for me.
Dark Star
April 20, 1969
Clark University

This one should be much higher on the list. This one really does it for me, as do many of the 68 - 70 D.S versions. I can imagine if I was at that concert, in an altered state perhaps, my mind would have been blown, in a good way. That's how I judge Dark Stars.
Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

This is a sublime version of Dark Star. Keith's contribution on acoustic and electric piano, gives the song an added dimension that had been absent in earlier versions. The song glides along incorporating different styles in each movement then finally eases into Morning Dew. It's not the trippiest version, but it's one of the best for sure.
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