headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+1291


Submissions

1
Candyman
Oct. 30, 1977
Assembly Hall - Indiana University

Keith stands out on this crystalline version. A stunning performance as the band is completely in synch with each other. Watch out for that solo too.
1
They Love Each Other
Oct. 30, 1977
Assembly Hall - Indiana University

Lovely version with a really great Keith solo, Jerry’s solo right after is equally as moving. Don’t miss this one.
1
Samson and Delilah
Sept. 29, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Played with a real sense of urgency. Bobby growls away as Jerry explores a new approach to his soloing. This is a scorcher.
1
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Sept. 29, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Jerry plays away his sorrows on top of the rhythm devil’s swinging beats. Sweet as can be with some real magical energy here.
1
Feelin' Groovy Jam
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

First ever in a China>Rider pairing. Makes for some wonderful music to start off this stellar show.

Comments

Truckin'
Dec. 10, 1972
Winterland Arena

A spiraling staircase Truckin’ that has the band exploring spaces only they can create. You can feel the frosty air and the lyserhic atmosphere emitting from the sound waves of the recording. This Truckin’ is vessel of exploration into rainbow colored spirals, Jerry acting as a wizard using his guitar as a staff to open portals to these realms, and Bobby’s brewing up some alchemy with each strum of the string. I love how much you can hear his impact on this one.
Cumberland Blues
July 16, 1972
Dillon Stadium

Speaker breaker. A Cowboy deluxe package transitioning straight into Me and My Uncle. Turn this up loud and let Jerry shoot lightning bolts right through your skeleton and feel the jolts of electricity with each pluck of the string. Jerry’s tone is one of the best I’ve heard on a Cumberland, with the right amount of twang that has all the hairs on your body standing straight up. A severely underrated version, great vocals, and Keith’s saloon western piano work is just sublime. Also check out Billy just swinging away, the 5 minute mark he takes you away into an old dusty ballroom where you can dance for eternity.
Smokestack Lightnin'
Dec. 4, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Shocked to see this so low. This is where Pigpen shined the most, a real goddamned bluesmen. With the boys following his lead into swampy marshlands under a harvest moon, Alligator, who is perfectly dialed in, swims in these waters, snapping his long jaw at any unsuspecting creature finding its way in this land. Pippen howls at the moon, asking why she doesn’t hear him crying. A real lament. Keith was the perfect addition for this band, and his lines in this tune are a perfect example as to why. A true saloon pianist. Jerry is also utterly electrifying, and his tone is a perfect peak into what 72 is all about. Sublime version that takes you right down the Mississippi delta.
Dire Wolf
Jan. 15, 1978
Selland Arena

A buddy of mine showed this to me after having an argument about which key this song is better in, and while I still prefer my Dire Wolves in the key of A, this scorcher had my ears perked up. As my friend said, “You can hear in the solo his anger from not being able to sing.” And sure enough the aggressive leads really make up for the rough vocals Jerry was having. Truly amazing. 78 is full attack mode.
The Other One
Feb. 13, 1970
Fillmore East

Coming out of one of the most definitive moments of the bands career, they keep the momentum going and awaken an ancient serpent like creature with seven heads, engaging in the battle of their lives, and ultimately, coming out victorious. The sequence of DS>TOO>Lovelight is a fable in itself, a tale of heroics passed through generations. It truly doesn't get better than this. Side note, I ate too many mushrooms a long time ago and after having an epiphany during Dark Star, listening to this was far too scary and bugged me out, imagine the ones in the crowd who took too much! Mind splitting for sure.