headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+48136


Submissions

1
Wharf Rat
Sept. 30, 1976
Mershon Auditorium, OSU

Remarkable part of one of the rare hour + extended jams, great transitions in and out of it and a heartfelt beauty on its own.
2
El Paso
Sept. 30, 1976
Mershon Auditorium, OSU

Phil rips this one wide open with a brilliant countersolo to Jerry's brilliancies and whirlygigs. Strong version here.
3
Johnny B. Goode
Sept. 28, 1976
Onondaga County War Memorial

I think they encored JBG whenever they knew they'd absolutely nailed it. It's like comedians telling "The Aristocrats". Musicians can just tell....
9
Dancin' in the Streets
Sept. 28, 1976
Onondaga County War Memorial

How on earth is this not up yet? It really kicks off the Fall '76 retooling of Dancin' with style. Brilliant, tight, and part of an enormous 2nd set.
6
New Minglewood Blues
Sept. 28, 1976
Onondaga County War Memorial

This one and the 07.18.76 versions are both so goddamned good. Jerry is a tsunami behind snarlin' Bobby. So gritty, so good.
show more submissions

Comments

Cold Rain and Snow
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Always my favorite show opener. It would just put a smile on everyone's face and let you know the boys had some grit in them. This one is sweet and mellow with a devilish strong backbeat pushing it forward and the delicious harmonies that make '76 so special.
Stella Blue
June 15, 1976
Beacon Theatre

The intro almost sounds like they were going into a jam before the melody. It's one of the slowest ones to date, but doesn't really drag. Instead it becomes atmospheric and floating, almost like a Stella Blue in the form of a vapor or fragmented images out of SB dream. Jerry does get you there in the end: The final minute of the solo is the definition of "epic heady".
St. Stephen
June 15, 1976
Beacon Theatre

Really special version. Sort of just emerges to the audience's great joy. Moves into a unique NFA too. Great way to open the set.
Bertha
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

Might come as a surprise for fans of the classic off-to-the-races, running from the law show opener we all know and love, but this one is unique to my ears and worth all the love. Sorry Donnie, but they looooooved messing with expectations of what "should be" and was "supposed to be" this way or that. And why not shift the tempo down and try it as a mellow shuffle? Don't like it that way, switch it up and try it as a country carnaval again.... Was Good Lovin' "supposed" to be Pigpen's blues or Bobby's Caribbean-lite dance and clap-along on the very next song? Or maybe shifting expectations was the name of the game after all? C'mon man, ease up.
Franklin's Tower
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

HSF show opener, May '77, what do guess happens next? The band is at peak tightness - with an especially switched on Phil somehow being both whitewater and raft throughout this excellent suite. The reason this probably hasn't shot up higher is that Jerry triplefucks the lyric. It doesn't break his stride at all, but that's the one flaw in the diamond.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)