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Houston Head

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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

He's Gone
April 15, 1983
Community War Memorial Auditorium

This one mostly stinks, but the Little Star jam is at least sort of interesting in that it's unique, but the interplay is far from inspired.
Good Lovin'
July 2, 1971
Fillmore West

An unexpected clinic from Phil on this version. Phil's pounding exploration propels the rest of the boys to take this one to some very "free" territory. Amazed to see so few votes.
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

One of those magical versions where the whole band comes alive to elevate the song beyond the sum of its parts.
Truckin'
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

It may not be as explosive or exploratory as the versions that would come later in the year, but this is an excellent version for conveying the band's live appeal to someone who has only experienced American Beauty + Workingman's Dead.
Uncle John's Band
Dec. 23, 1970
Winterland Arena

It may be short, but the return to the main theme is powerful and joyous, driven over the edge by exuberant Phil harmonies. Check this one out on Complete Live Rarities or the 03 WMD reissue bonus tracks.