headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DaGoodolRichard

TimelessTravel

+1563


Submissions

1
Candyman
Nov. 6, 1970
Capitol Theater

This really nice early Candy Man. This one is after Truckin. The first two are sound checks, I think.
1
Uncle John's Band
Nov. 6, 1970
Capitol Theater

This is one of the better acoustic versions of this song. The sound quality isn't the best but the performance is spot on.
11
Loser
Nov. 15, 1971
The Austin Municipal Auditorium

This is a tragically overlooked version. Bobby's guitar is loud and proud. Jerry's Strat playing was as clean and twangy as it got on this song.
2
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 7, 1969
Fillmore Auditorium

The forth live performance of these 2 songs put together. It starts out a little rough, then it evolves into a well paced and played China Rider.
1
Cryptical Envelopment
Aug. 22, 1968
Fillmore West

Energized, Phil drivin Cryptical, longer then its song mate tO1.

Comments

Brokedown Palace
Oct. 3, 1980
Warfield Theater

This is Arguably the most beautiful Hunter/Garcia song. It sounds like it could have been wrtten a century earlier then 1970. Robrrt Hunter penned this masterpiece, along with Ripple and To Lay Me Down, in one drunkin afternoon. Jerry added the perfect melody to this song. Jerry's truthfull vocal along with spot on harmonies and Brents organ, make this the best version that I've heard.
Ripple
Sept. 26, 1980
Warfield Theater

This song is about as close as Robert Hunter got to a God reference: " let it be known there is a fountain that was not made by the hands of men". When Hunter was asked about his favorite lyric, he quoted this one. For the dead family this song is like going to church. This is one of the best versions, even Otis had to come on stage for this one!
Stella Blue
June 18, 1974
Freedom Hall

Robeet Hunter tells us of a man who has nothing left in his life other then a broken angels song abut Stella Blue, the central figure in his life who must have broke him. Jerry sets these profound words to a beautiful, haunting melody. There are a lot of good versions, but this is one of the most authentic. I prefer 07/05/81, but it doesn't appear on Heady Version so I can't vote or comment on that beutiful version.
Wharf Rat
April 22, 1978
Nashville Municipal Auditorium

This is another Robert Hunter, Existential, masterpiece. This is a story of a man who's shattered life is beyond repair but he still manages to find some hope: "I'll get up and fly away". This version interprets those words, and Jerry's haunting melody, better then any that I've heard.
Comes A Time
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

This is, arguably, the most profound lyrical masterpiece that Robert hunter wrote. Pared with Jerry's brilliant musical interpretation, the two came up with an existential ballad that all human beings can relate to, at some point in their lives. This performance conveys the felling of those words better then any that I've heard, although some of the other May/77versions, 05/04 and 05/12 for example, come pretty close. The ringing tone of Jerry's soaring guitar solo and Donna's perfectly executed harmonies make this version really stand out. RIP Robert Hunter!