headyversion
find the best versions of grateful dead songs
Grateful Dead Dec. 15, 1972
Long Beach Arena Long Beach, CA | Listen on archive
17
Dark Star
Perhaps its uniqueness prevents it from EPIC status but listen to how obtuse this thing is.
8
He's Gone
This jam is a patient wave of energy that hits a progressive peak, then dissipates as cautiously as it grew
19
Playin' In The Band
Jerry is on fire in this version putting on a clinic on improvisational guitar playing, a masterful performance by Jerry on this tune this evening.
6
Truckin'
Another massive 1972 Truckin, Jerry is just shooting off leads, Phil is bombing us into deep space, and Billy is a beast on the kit. Fantastic exit ja
3
Box of Rain
Sweet Box where they keep the tempo rolling -Phil's vox in fine form and Jer throws out all the right accents. DJ sounds nice cooing in as well.
5
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Strong transition with Bob catching the groove. They just seem to stretch things out oh so nicely with Keith on the keys. Jer is on point.
3
Mexicali Blues
Smokin' desperado polka here with superbly tight playing at a faster-than normal pace. A galloping riot and heaps of fun.
3
Brown Eyed Women
Pristine, air-play quality in a deep pocket with note-for-note perfection all 'round. Surprised not to see it here already.
1
Promised Land
Good start to a very overlooked show. This was their most common opener in '72, kicking off 32 shows, this being the last of them (opens S2 on NYE).
1
Sugaree
Perhaps not surprisingly, you can really hear the '73 sound starting to emerge here (and elsewhere in the show)...