headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

hvd

sleuth

+21570


Submissions

4
Let It Grow
Oct. 9, 1984
The Centrum

Liquid fire jamming
6
Feel Like A Stranger
Oct. 18, 1984
Meadowlands Arena

Super tight, and funky version. Contender for best of 84'.
15
Estimated Prophet
Dec. 16, 1994
Sports Arena

This estimated prophet is wild, intense, and as wicked as they come. With Branford Marsalis, the jam is almost as cosmic as a Dark Star.
17
Samson and Delilah
Nov. 6, 1977
Broome County Arena

As is the case with nearly all 1977 versions, this Samson and Delilah is huge and each member provides an energetic presence.
3
Bird Song
April 14, 1971
Davis Gym, Bucknell University

Early version of the song, but definitely finding its way nicely, a great mellow version that is jammed 10+ min.

Comments

He's Gone
June 20, 1991
Pine Knob Music Theatre

This SOTM into He's Gone is a truly mellow experience, like capturing an entire essence in a bottle, of what the band was about at this stage in the game, controlled, non-pretentious, American mellowness. The real greatness for me comes with the transition, the tempo's are nearly the same, so the seamlessness is apparent. However, on the flip side, when looking at this whole Download series, I can't love it, the show doesn't fully do it for me, but it certainly isn't awful, and its probably slightly above-average but for an official release it doesn't hit the spot. A solid run non-the less, nothing jaw-dropping. As a side note: Mr. Williams will surely be missed, a sad moment indeed, this He's Gone has a certain somberness that I feel fits the moment, Garces glad you gave me the hint.
They Love Each Other
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Bouncy, concise, simplified, focused, pinpoint precision.
Wharf Rat
Sept. 11, 1974
Alexandra Palace

Played with authority, quiet and meandering, yet also harsh and powerful. You can almost hear the waves crashing up against the docks. Nearly a dirge, but not quite, the outro jam is quite nice as well. A very strong version.
Truckin'
May 19, 1974
Portland Memorial Coliseum

Off the hook outro jamming moving through a multitude of themes varying in creativity, uniqueness, and color, I can say this Truckin' contains that definitive uniqueness that sets it apart. The outro jamming is tight and the sublime drop into Mind Left Body is just so very special.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

This is the real deal, a certified smoker. Transition is on fire.