headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1585


Submissions

11
Cassidy
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

The previous night's version was tasty, but this one is delicious. The nomination for this one is long overdue. The whole show is quintessential '76
2
Bird Song
Dec. 26, 1981
Oakland Auditorium

Whoa! This one somehow slipped through the cracks - A hidden gem for sure!
7
Jack Straw
Oct. 31, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

Opens the first electric set from the last (and best) show from the 8 night run at NYC's Radio City Music Hall. Its nomination is long overdue!
5
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 17, 1978
Winterland Arena

This should be on the map. Follow it to find the treasure!
3
Me and My Uncle
June 8, 1974
Coliseum Stadium

Alert! This one not a throw-away. The best one of '74, no foolin'. Played with a perfect balance of gusto, gumption & grit.

Comments

Black Throated Wind
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

^Agreed. But still endearing. The versions from 11/17/72 & 5/19/74 are hard to beat, however.
Tennessee Jed
May 21, 1977
Lakeland Civic Center

Never heard another Jed where Jerry employs the Mutron. A unique take indeed, and one of the best of the era - up there with 1/22/78 & 12/16/78!
Dark Star
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

I struggled with this one being ranked #1, but I’ve come to conclude that its slot is really where it should be. This Dark star is one of the darkest Stars; what’s more is the vast musical movements it takes, coupled with the superlative ensemble playing. Everybody is inspired and locked in, with each member being a finger of the collective hand. The musical conversations are out of the cosmos! This beast rocks, swings, crawls and sprawls in a psychedelic tinged voodoo gumbo of musical idioms from other planets, from other galaxies. An institution of higher learning should offer a course of study on this Star. We can all learn something new with each listen…
The Other One
Feb. 27, 1969
Fillmore West

^Agree this one holds up well compared to the others of the run, but 3/1/69 is even better (and ranked higher). Still doesn't trump Harpur for me, though.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
March 18, 1977
Winterland Arena

I neglected this one for a long time, assuming it would be inferior to the more developed and realized combos that happened in May. In a way I was right, but I have to admit one should never judge a book in the great library of the Grateful Dead! I really enjoyed this one. I can’t call this one definitive, but I’ll say it’s unique and thrilling, and a worthy addition once the titan versions of the year have been explored and enjoyed. The wah-wah in Fire, especially from (5:30-7:20 ) is raw, funky, powerful & emotive. Hunter Seamons offers another great Matrix.