headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

FranklinTowers

Drummer

+1785


Submissions

1
El Paso
June 22, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

Not sure if it was intentional or a minor stumble, but at the very beginning Billy plays something that sounds like the clicking heels of cowboy boots
5
Bertha
June 22, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

Unique bounce to this one...slower than usual for '74, but still neat.
2
Johnny B. Goode
June 26, 1973
Seattle Center Coliseum

Fun finish to this underrated gem of a show!
3
One More Saturday Night
May 24, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Not the very best, but all of the Europe '72 versions deserve to be on here...
5
Sugar Magnolia
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Surprised this one isn't here yet...

Comments

Estimated Prophet
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

Love the bounce of this! Wish we had more versions in this style...
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 19, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

This one has a dark, menacing vibe to it that I love. It's not even the most overtly trippy/meltdown-y — in fact, it keeps moving at a pretty good clip — but it has a spookiness to it...
Here Comes Sunshine
Dec. 19, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

Certainly in the GOAT discussion. I actually think it's great, not *all-time great* up until the drum break, at which point it just soars. Jerry's use of repetition as it builds is just mesmerizing, and it accelerates all the way through the finish. Some versions peak a little early. So all of that to say, while others may maintain a higher "average" from start to finish by virtue of a stronger opening jam, I do think this one has the highest, best-placed and longest-sustained peak...
They Love Each Other
Dec. 18, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

Really nice rhythm work from Bobby, and you're right about the extra Motown flavour! A fitting final version for the song's best year (IMO)...
Looks Like Rain
Dec. 18, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

Gorgeous, yet powerful! One of the better ones I've heard...