headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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viewtiful_alan

Houston Head

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Submissions

1
Johnny B. Goode
April 3, 1989
Civic Arena

Fun MIDI solo from Jerry that's answered by an equally hot keyboard solo from Brent. One of the better 80s versions.
5
When Push Comes to Shove
April 1, 1988
Meadowlands Arena

The band takes their time and digs into this one more than usual. You can tell they're having a lot of fun.
8
Friend of the Devil
July 24, 1987
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium

The only thing more mind-blowing than this version is the fact that no one has nominated it yet.
2
Space
May 6, 1981
Nassau Coliseum

Coming out of a pretty typical Drums, Space develops into an extended, very melodic full-band groove that grows carefully into a hot Other One.
6
C. C. Rider
Oct. 13, 1980
Warfield Theater

Aggressive yet patient and focused.
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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.
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