headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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merryjerry

wacked

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Submissions

16
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Sept. 19, 1990
Madison Square Garden

A big version. Listen as the baton gets passed without missing a beat.
5
Big River
Sept. 19, 1990
Madison Square Garden

An A1 performance that just improves with repeated listenings.
5
They Love Each Other
April 13, 1983
Patrick Gymnasium, U of Vermont

A bull's ass in fly season and the boys on this one are both TIGHT!!! (Although tight might not be the correct word for an awesome TLEO.)
19
Brokedown Palace
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

While not without imperfection, this version gets at that misty quality central to the ethos of the tune.
69
The Wheel
Feb. 3, 1978
Dane County Coliseum

A thin slice of sublime cheese in an earwateringly delicious sandwich: EP>Eyes>Playin'>Wheel>Playin' Reprise.

Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

While I feel that 'CCS'>'IKYR' could be a scorcher with any vintage of the band, it just might be that 1974 represents the apotheosis of this pairing, as nearly every version is a unique little sonic galaxy, with its own twists and turns and unique ornamentation. Here we have the first version from this year and recording-wise it's very good, with even the crowd well-captured (the SBDs from this Feb. '74 run are airier and, I think, richer than SBD recordings from later in the year, certain technical glitches notwithstanding). Note the interesting back-and-forth leading into the 'Feelin' Groovy' jam.
Dark Star
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Welcome aboard, DeadheadDan. You're right, this one deserves more fanfare. The pre-verse portion seems to epitomize the prevailing notion of '73 Dead being jazzy and mellow (although mellow is a relative term). After a nice, gentle but engaging intro, Phil begins to play a Stanley Clarke-like Latin fusion sounding line that the rest of the boys attack like an open buffet. Mandatory listening for fans of the era, for sure.
Eyes Of The World
March 28, 1973
Civic Center

Indeed, the outro portion is where this version really shines.
Jack Straw
April 16, 1978
Huntington Civic Center

In fact, this is my favorite of the era.
Eyes Of The World
April 16, 1978
Huntington Civic Center

Doesn't feature the most eloquent solos (although in his solo after the second verse there is something--maybe just a single well placed note-- that cuts deep) but it's an undeniable mood enhancer. This is a good version for listening to in the car with a cup of your favorite coffee on a bright, Saturday morning.