headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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merryjerry

wacked

+6595


Submissions

7
Wharf Rat
July 21, 1974
Hollywood Bowl

Gorgeous, well-paced high energy version. Playin'>Wharf>Truckin'>NFBM (theme only)>Playin' reprise
18
Playin' In The Band
July 21, 1974
Hollywood Bowl

You'll hear voices and see faces in this abstract assault which showcases exceptional group interplay. Bertrando's AUD is VG+.
18
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
July 21, 1974
Hollywood Bowl

Warning: May cause goosebumps. Bertrando's AUD is VG+.
24
Greatest Story Ever Told
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

I always thought that Summer '74 was the best period for this tune but this version is sick.
8
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 6, 1984
Aladdin Theater

If you want to hear something sweet from 1984, check this out!!!

Comments

Deal
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

Excellent. Jerry takes a nice, long and inspired lead that despite going many places never strays from the heart of the tune. Nice pick.
Playin' In The Band
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

A Playin'>Comes a Time>Playin' sandwich. The jam starts a little pensive, like a door being opened onto a vast empty space, but nice things soon begin to happen. Indeed, there a couple of passages in this one that are just downright excellent.
Morning Dew
Oct. 18, 1972
Fox Theater

I was inspired to revisit this version after reading about it on the archive recently and was hoping to read some comments about it here, only to find that it hadn't yet been listed. I had always remembered that the transition back into Playin' was very dramatic, like getting hit by a wave that you never saw coming. I was impressed by Jerry's singing. It seems as though he focuses on it to the point of excluding any flourishes or accents with his guitar, save for the solos of course. But that's okay, as the accompaniment is very tight: you could listen exclusively to any member on this performance and be well-rewarded. I'll only mention Keith by asking, Did he ever sound more like Bill Evans than here, with that crystalline-like sustain and airiness?
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
April 5, 1971
Manhattan Center

I agree, Grendel. Every vintage of the band had its own unique suite of peak-potentials, and this version definitely captures the magic that this vintage could create.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
April 5, 1971
Manhattan Center

Very, very fine stuff.