headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DaGoodolRichard

TimelessTravel

+1563


Submissions

4
Beat it on Down The Line
March 12, 1966
Danish Center

This could have been the debute of this song. A very young Bobby is kind of yelling it. It's interesting to hear how these early covers evolved.
1
Black Peter
Oct. 25, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

This is a beautiful and emotional version, it's hard to hear over the crowd noise, but they where digging it!
3
Cream Puff War
Dec. 4, 1966
The Matrix Club

Every bit as good as 12-01-66. in my oponion. Tight and energetic.
2
New Minglewood Blues
Aug. 2, 1976
Colt Park

Bobby was singing with clarity and authority on this one. This is a good tight version.
2
Samson and Delilah
Aug. 2, 1976
Colt Park

Billy and Micky lay down a tight rythm for every one to lock into, and they do. Crowd noize on all sources that i've heard.

Comments

Promised Land
Aug. 25, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

^^^ That is a close call between this one and Lyceum. This one's a little cleaner and snappier. Both beat the Veneta version, in my opinion.
Promised Land
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

High energy version. Keith's piano playing is really good on this one and Jerry was really working that Strat.
The Eleven
Oct. 13, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

I love the sound of that room on both the 10/12 and 10/13 versions. I think the 10/12 version, and overall show, is tighter and more energetic then the 10/13 version. This one deserves more respect, though!
Dark Star
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

I have just listened to several of my favorite Dark Stars, including the above mentioned versions. Designating any version as being the best really comes down to a subjective choice, apples and oranges. Each Dark Star has elements that may appeal to one person and repel another. As far as the Vanneta version goes, It has sonic elements that most heads really like, obviously. I like and respect most of the well played and recorded improvisational versions, like 8/27/72; I would put in my top 10, right behind Rotterdam. I do prefer the Europe 72 tour versions, 4/8 and 4/24 for sure and especially Strand lycyum. But my wheel house is the early, shorter, primal, psychedelic versions, like 10/12/68 and most of 69, especially 02/27.
Tennessee Jed
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

^^ Yes DS67, this is right in my wheel house.Perky and "Zesty", as E5 described it.