headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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viewtiful_alan

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.
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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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