headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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BeggarsTomb48

better weather

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Submissions

3
Big Boss Man
March 23, 1972
Academy of Music

Beefy stetson hat workout. Ravishing harp and fun fender deluxe reverb tones.
3
Samson and Delilah
June 16, 1985
Greek Theater

Not unheard of to go into this after scarlet fire (34 times) still, something of a wacky pranksterish reset. Speedy and powerful version with growl.
2
Big River
July 13, 1985
Ventura County Fairgrounds

Devils come alive. Joy ride to wirepickin' ecstatic oblivion. Furiously active yet not autobahn, deep 80s
1
Drums -> Space
June 27, 1985
SPAC

Great one. Kits duet is really inspired. Space curdles out with noise but gets jester's hat nightmare with vocal pranks. Beautiful long bluesy intro
1
El Paso
June 27, 1985
SPAC

Stagger lee>el paso>crazy fingers>supplication>high time. hetty

Comments

Morning Dew
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

an example of a morning dew where they do not hold back. First solo is aggressive and menacing. The build to the last jam starts at a faintest whisper and has absolutely gorgeous playing from all 4 chordal instruments. Patiently and majestically, we return to a fever pitch and you may feel tears welling up in your eyes when they reach their ecstatic peaks. You really get the sense that the Dead are searching for answers here. Using the art of music to commune with greater purposes, suggesting questions much more important than "is this songwriting good" or "is our timing good" Or maybe im just projecting at 3am. Either way the perfect ending to this show. It reminds me of Lesh talking about "hearing the voice of god" at the first Wall of sound Dew. Similar levels of ecstasy are accomplished here.
The Music Never Stopped
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

utterly fabulous version of this. Every note the dead played on this night was searing, blistering, would shock you if you could touch it. they're absolutely on fire. Hats off to billy and mickey who are responsible for a lot of this. Without their synchronicity it wouldn't be possible.
Sugaree
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

Listening to this again, and i am utterly speechless. words cannot describe how hard this sugaree jams, the only thing you can possibly compare it to is the tide of the ocean. Garcia is absolutely unbelievable on this version. the band is cooking with gas like a perfectly grilled burger on a hot day. Garcia is the beer in your hand (your fourth or fifth by the way). I think that, along with englishtown from later in the year and Veneta 72, this is the best show this band ever played.
Deal
Aug. 6, 1971
Hollywood Palladium

listening to this show again. This is an unbelievably heavy and groovy early version of Deal, the music is playing the band. Fans of this song must hear this
The Other One
Aug. 4, 1976
Roosevelt Stadium

soo fucking heady this one gets quite trippy and avant-garde