headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

as2191

Head'sAllEmpty

+1328


Submissions

14
The Eleven
Feb. 24, 1968
Kings Beach Bowl

RAGING. 'nuff said. Goes into 'Drums', then 'Alligator', and can be found on 'Dick's Picks Vol. 22'.
43
Two Souls in Communion
April 26, 1972
Jahrhunderthalle

C'mon, this is SURELY the definitive version?! Pigpen is so strong yet so poignantly vulnerable in this cut, with perfect fills from Jerry and Bill.
12
Morning Dew
Aug. 24, 1968
Shrine Auditorium

Intense stuff; brisk but heartfelt. Real acid rock. The venue people cut off the power at the end, but 'til then, it's still 7 great minutes.
37
Turn On Your Love Light
Jan. 26, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

I know Deadheads try to prove themselves by choosing more obscure versions, but the 'Live/Dead' version is EASILY in the Top 5 'Love Lights' ever.

Comments

Dark Star
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

This DS/SM/Caution is one of the three or four most stunning things the band ever did. The DS may be the sweetest, most inspired, magical, transcendent rendition ever recorded; the segue and its preceding proto-MLB Jam are justly legendary; the spacey jam in the middle is gorgeous. The whole thing bespeaks the bottomless generosity and spiritual benevolence the Dead were known for -- and yet it's given the serrated rockin' edge by that stonking "Caution". The whole suite has me helpless on the floor in a woolen ball of nerves. I can only imagine what it's like to listen to it stoned/high. Oh, and Grendel, my friend, you are right on the money.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Feb. 3, 1979
Market Square Arena

Fantastic Scarlet solo, sure. I also love Jer's shattered vocals throughout. He did ragged emotion so well
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Gotta say, I really like Donna on this. She doesn't get in the way -- she adds soul and spirit, and I like the way she pronounces "Fire" somewhat eccentrically when singing it alongside Jer.
Not Fade Away
Feb. 26, 1973
Pershing Municipal Auditorium

The blistering speed, exuberance and joy of this version! Just an edge-of-your-seat ride the whole way through. Amazing stuff, so clean too.
Playin' In The Band
June 16, 1974
Iowa State Fairgrounds

One of the most straight-up pleasant, easy-on-the-ears extended PITBs they did -- a 29-minute version that is consistently involving. Keeps you guessing without alienating you. Even when it gets weird and intense it's highly listenable.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)