headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1585


Submissions

7
Monkey and the Engineer
Dec. 31, 1970
Winterland Arena

Jerry's sweet voice is extra sweet & clear during the chorus for this version than the ones from October, 1980.
39
Mason's Children
Jan. 24, 1970
Honolulu Civic Auditorium

Monster Mason's. Can't believe this one isn't here yeat. Cleanest, most coherent version. Jerry's guitar tone is pure gold.
7
Mind Left Body Jam
Oct. 30, 1973
Kiel Auditorium

Sandwiched between a dreamy Dark Star. Not the definitive version perhaps, but it belongs in the discussion.
34
Cold Jordan
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Can believe this one isn't already here! A beautiful version from one of the top five shows ever played.
12
Casey Jones
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Near flawless version from a near flawless tour. The whole band is locked in on the home stretch here, and keith is hammerin' away on those ivories..
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

This is a stupendous showcase, like virtually every one played in 1973. The “Feelin’ Groovy Jam” that graces the transitional jam out of “China Cat” would not be in the fold for another month, but nevertheless the jamming here is very sprightly and inspired. The band is firing on all cylinders with concentrated syncopation, and Jerry’s needlepoint licks make sitting still nearly impossible. He even quotes the “Mountain Jam” for a brief spell commencing around the 6:15 mark.
Here Comes Sunshine
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

This is only the second performance, and yet it stands out as one of the best versions of the year. The band plays with a deft confidence as if the song has been in rotation for years. It’s not without spots of dubious vocal harmonies, but they are more than made up for by Jerry’s pointed chops that seem to fly from his Stratocaster (“Alligator”) and pierce the sky! Later versions of this tune would become longer, more exploratory, and even better, but none more sharp and focused.
El Paso
June 18, 1974
Freedom Hall

I'll forever place this one and 11/11/73 as the choice cuts for this tune. I don't like El Paso, yet I love these versions! If you're a Keith fan, watch out! He's got gunpowder wedged in his fingernails!
El Paso
Nov. 11, 1973
Winterland Arena

I waffle between this one and 6/18/74 for being best-ever versions. Either way, they're both extraordinary versions of what some peg a less than extraordinary song.
El Paso
Feb. 9, 1973
Roscoe Maples Pavilion - Stanford University

Hey "some4you"- listen to both11/11/73 and 6/18/74 and get back to me!
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