headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

parrott56

millennial head

+5019


Submissions

1
Space
Sept. 4, 1979
Madison Square Garden

Super heady, effects-drenched Space that suggests what a fall ’79 Dark Star might’ve sounded like.
2
Promised Land
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

This really gets cookin’! Keith, Billy, and Jerry seem to be playing little rhythmic games, switching up the accents in interesting ways.
3
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

Splendid set closer with delightfully boisterous contributions from Keith and a permeating feeling of real joy.
2
Stella Blue
July 21, 1984
Ventura County Fairgrounds

Sweetly melodic outro, well-played. I really enjoyed this Space > Other One > Stella.
1
Althea
July 21, 1984
Ventura County Fairgrounds

Forceful and confident, with rowdy playing from Bobby and Brent in particular.

Comments

Althea
July 19, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Unbelievable heat in this set. Jesus.
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
July 18, 1989
Alpine Valley

Immaculate soloing here — and I love the segues in this pre-Drums.
Cassidy
April 10, 1978
Fox Theatre

I am astonished that this officially released powerhouse version had only one vote when I went to look it up. Filled with sly ’78 magic.
Stella Blue
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

I see my negative comment from years ago drew jeers, and misunderstanding. I didn’t say the outro fell apart — I complimented that part — but I pointed out that there are some noticeable wobbles earlier in the song stemming from the slow tempo. It’s *hard* to play Stella that slow. The song keeps fighting it, and you can hear that. You have an ensemble of musicians trying to figure out on the fly whether they should hold a given chord for one bar or two. It’s awkward. But there’s also some really beautiful guitar work and singing in spite of all that. I love the Dead, love Stella, love May ’77, and do not relish the role of killjoy. If this is your favorite version, great!
Throwing Stones
March 15, 1990
Capital Centre

To me, this is one of the best versions after the initial more exploratory wave (’82-’83) had subsided. Thunderous arena rock.