headyversion
find the best versions of grateful dead songs
Grateful Dead Oct. 23, 1971
Easttown Theatre Detroit, MI | Listen on archive
3
One More Saturday Night
Great early version - the line between 'Hey, did Bob fudge the lyrics?' or 'Hey, is Bob freestyling?" is an awfully thin one, tho
2
Not Fade Away
Swirling, roiling waves of rock and roll - Phil and Keith play off each other beautifully
6
Playin' In The Band
Adrenaline bursting hard driver. Exciting. Jerry at 3:00 solos in all 720 degrees, just propulsive. Give her a spin.
1
Bertha
Hard driver kicking off the show with Billy firing on all 8 cylinders. Mixer laureate C. Miller gives us a gem here, good copy after 1:10 of FM warble
1
Sugaree
Strong pulse and Jerry giving it his all, vocally and instrumentally. Why doesn't this show have more love? Everything in the set is just slaying it.
1
Jack Straw
Jumped up, pushing against the pulse. Seems like the rowdy crowd inspired our boys here. Gritty, almost aggressive vibe.
1
Big Railroad Blues
Punk rock version, responding to an aggressive Detroit crowd. "Relax man, we don't respond to that shit" sez Jerry.
2
Ramble On Rose
Solid, strident version. Bobby and Phil take on the rowdies with a cool rap after, too. Great first set all around.
4
Me and My Uncle
Introduced as"kind of a death and destruction song", which tells you all you need to know.
1
Tennessee Jed
"Kicked my eye and he blacked my dog". Like others this night, the vibe is aggressive and rowdy, knifey jagged soloing, this one's a killer.
1
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Contains everything and could stand alone as an epic GDTRFB, even as part of its trad NFA sammy. Great speed work from everyone, builds and builds.
5
Casey Jones
Crunching, banging and crunching some more raw one here that's got a strong kick to it.
2
Comes A Time
Awesome a little faster paced then it would eventually be, still emotionally resonant with a stark arrangement.
1
Loser
Jerry gives each word extra attention and the band is nailing it, this has all those little extra treats gorgeous early Loser.