headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Houston Head

+1516


Submissions

7
Candyman
June 16, 1991
Giants Stadium

Gorgeous soloing from Jerry and a tender vocal performance. The new mix on the Giants box really lets this one shine.
4
Bird Song
July 22, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theatre

Bobby is dripping trippy chords all over the jam. SUBLIME
5
Casey Jones
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Surprised this has no votes. This version is played with a level of energy and precision CJ rarely ever got. Great set 2 opener.
2
El Paso
Dec. 7, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Lyrically precise, energetic playing, and everyone sounds like they're enjoying themselves. What more could you ask for on this one?
4
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

The shorter versions need love to, and this one hits all the sweet spots.

Comments

Sugaree
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

Before it was a jam spectacle, it was a song. While the song's legacy is understandably bound to the epic versions from '77-'78, versions like this should remind us all what a fantastic song it truly is. Most pre-hiatus versions leave me wanting, but this is a near-perfect, soulful reading of this song elevated by the short-lived organ-piano combo of Pig and Keith.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
June 10, 1976
Boston Music Hall

Clean tones on Slipknot really allow for the ideas and interplay to shine through.
Cassidy
May 27, 1993
Cal Expo

The transition into UJB us a little bumpy, but the jamming before and after the sandwich is some of the best they ever did on this track.
Around and Around
May 26, 1993
Cal Expo

Weir's MIDI horns manage to play up the Dead's Rock n' Roll Americana and psychedelia simultaneously. Tight version with some very spirited playing and cool ideas on display.
Walking Blues
May 26, 1993
Cal Expo

One of the best Vince solos I've ever heard. Agree with the commenter above, this one has a sort of cocky strut to it. It definitely boogies harder than other versions I've heard.