headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

1
Big Railroad Blues
Dec. 31, 1970
Winterland Arena

Not on the list, but hidden in an unfortunately cut Easy Wind. Tinny recording but killer, fast, and furious jamming.
7
Smokestack Lightnin'
Dec. 28, 1970
Legion Stadium

Soulful pure blues. This is an intimate, informal show. It ain't slick, and that's just fine.
1
Playin' In The Band
April 15, 1971
Allegheny College

Only 2 months old, and 22nd time: They were working hard on it, and you can hear the explosive potential. Manic warbler mode, Main 10 at the surface.
1
Truckin'
Dec. 28, 1970
Legion Stadium

Tight simmering burner here, with nice Bobby/Jerry mix levels. Pig on organ is a little lost, so try headphones for some fun.
1
Me and Bobby McGee
Dec. 27, 1970
Legion Stadium

Starts simple and grows into a triumph. Can't help but think these meant a lot to the boys right after JJ's passing. Beautiful.
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Comments

Morning Dew
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

This show gets maligned for its looseness and at times less-than-fully ensemble playing. But I have another take: it was the end of the tour, and besides the Winterland October run, quite possibly the last Grateful Dead show ever. They were tired, it seems clear, but they opened up the hatches and let everything out just to see what would happen. Result: this Dew is slower, more thoughtful, but no less intense. Blazing in places, then introspective, melancholy, and experimental. Give the show a generous listen. It's interesting because of its flaws, not only in spite of them.
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

The heavy 'dark' quality here is quite bracing. Reminiscent of some of Miles Davis' music from the era: 'Bitches Brew' and Live-Evil, and Agharta/Pangaea. And I mean this in a most beautiful way. If some of you Heads don't know this particular seam of influence on our boys, then check it out.
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

Damned double post. Sorry mates.
Fire On The Mountain
July 27, 1973
Grand Prix Racecourse

Listened again: it isn't only the two-chord FTM vamp jam that makes this a bone fide embryonic version: They're definitely working out melodic themes that would become the song we love from years later. Damn, I love the Dead.
Around and Around
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Goddamn, but this whole 2nd set is just immortal. They knew they'd killed it: Just listen to half the band ending while the other half sez, "hell no, we ain't done yet" and then they break into double time. Almost seems like they'd have doubled it again, but maybe the theater manager was pointing at his watch or something. Fuck 'em, cause they weren't done yet and we get some Johnny B. Goode to send it off. Mmm mmm Goode indeed.
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