headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

parrott56

millennial head

+5024


Submissions

14
Deal
May 21, 1974
Edmundson Pavilion

'74 was a great year for the short barroom-type numbers.
7
Mexicali Blues
May 21, 1974
Edmundson Pavilion

One of many high-high-energy versions from '74.
4
Tennessee Jed
Dec. 30, 1978
Pauley Pavilion

From a very hot 1st set. The whole band shines.
5
Loser
Dec. 30, 1978
Pauley Pavilion

Masterful, powerful version. They nail it.
7
Wharf Rat
July 6, 1990
Cardinal Stadium

Very strong '90s version with fluid, effusive Jerry runs.

Comments

Stella Blue
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Hate to be the contrary voice here, but I think most of this version is actually a mess. There a few nice moments in the outro, yes, but the whole thing nearly falls apart several times leading up to that. Too slow, too loose, and the band's just not on the same page.
Stella Blue
May 4, 1979
Hampton Coliseum

Sprinkled with magic, emphatic but not leaden. Jerry's guitar and voice are both very fine in this bright, powerful version.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

I'm the first to acknowledge others' contributions, but this one is all about Jerry, who gives a textbook demonstration of his nimblest and most soulful playing. Way underrated.
Row Jimmy
Dec. 2, 1973
Music Hall

Amazing dynamics on this version. Delicate without ever losing its pulse.
Beat it on Down The Line
April 24, 1972
Rheinhalle

It's not just you. This version was one of my early go-tos (you know, when I wanted to hear BIODTL).