headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Grateful Dead Aug. 4, 1974

Philadelphia Civic Center Philadelphia, PA | Listen on archive

Users have designated the following versions as heady!
54
Playin' In The Band
Wild, hairy, and at times scary Herbie Hancock-esque jazz in this one. One of the all-time best!!!
5
Black Throated Wind
As of this moment my favorite version. Many great versions in '72-'74...time to start digging...funny Phil banter after as well
28
Weather Report Suite
Most amazing Let It Grow climax I've ever heard; Jerry and Phil really going to town. Also a wild Billy-driven fusion jam into Wharf Rat.
24
Pretty Peggy O
Full of Keith's acoustic piano.
5
Bertha
Phil gets this one going, and Jerry knows just what to do with it.
31
Jack Straw
Wow! Best pre-hiatus verison? Jerry has some mindmelting amphetamine leads during the bridge. Just unbelievable stuff!!!
31
Scarlet Begonias
Short but high octane version with Billy and Jerry crushing it...the jam rises to a furious climax!
15
Wharf Rat
cool jam > passionately played emotive song > mellow and sweet jam > rockin' tune
2
Let It Grow
This one goes deep underwater space jammin'
14
Ship of Fools
Sweet and melodic, I love how Jerry sings this one. Just exactacly perfect to my ears.
12
Casey Jones
Slower than usual, but grooves and soars... Thought out, precise, and delicate this Casey is surely a gem
1
Row Jimmy
Great Row Jimmy.. followed by America's favorite fun game
1
It Must Have Been The Roses
Letter perfect - the Godchauxs take this to a loftier level. Beautiful dynamic push-and-pull by the whole group.
9
Loose Lucy
Super fun groove ... surprising it hasn't got any love yet.
2
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
One of the longest jams into rider I've heard. That combined with the overall '74 sound makes it a killer version.
1
Mexicali Blues
Ok looks yeah it’s another Mex but like this one’s cool!!! Bill’s doing some crazy shit on the highhats whenever Phil starts singing/yelling.
1
Big River
Builds to wholesome Keith and Jer goodness