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Houston Head

+1516


Submissions

7
Dancin' in the Streets
Nov. 2, 1969
Family Dog at the Great Highway

A lost masterpiece, now restored on the new Dave's Picks! The once-missing jam is a face-stealer.
3
Not Fade Away
Dec. 17, 1992
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

A searing hot jam with lots of Phil and aggressive work from Weir. Underrated.
4
Hurts Me Too
Aug. 24, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

An uncommonly spirited organ solo from Pigpen augmented by searing leads from Jerry make this one stand out.
4
Let It Grow
Oct. 26, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

What this one lacks in deep exploration, it more than makes up for in exceptionally tight playing and strong vocals. A top-shelf performance from all.
2
Mama Tried
June 16, 1990
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Tight version with a spirited solo from Jerry.

Comments

Loose Lucy
Dec. 16, 1992
Oakland Coliseum Arena

Never one of my favorite songs in any year, but Garcia absolutely smokes the main solo.
Cumberland Blues
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Re: The bluegrass quote, according to an Archive commenter, it's a lick from Sugar Foot Rag. That aside, this one fucking smokes.
Box of Rain
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

I'm sure the '80s versions were a treat to hear live, but this is easily the finest reading of this song in a live setting. The vocals are steady and impassioned, the playing is tight, and you rarely get both on this masterpiece of a song.
Turn On Your Love Light
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

Normally the 30 minute Love Lights test my patience, but this version is excellent. The band stays engaged and Pigpen brings the heat without getting sloppy.
Me and My Uncle
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

TC's organ playing adds a bit of a haunted touch to the ending that I've never heard on any other version, matching the lyric quite nicely.