headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1495


Submissions

4
Deal
March 15, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

It swings to a funky swagger; Jerry is in top form here. I think it's the best Deal from the spring '73 tour!
7
Deal
Dec. 18, 1973
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall

It struts & swaggers in that honey, country-tinged '73 way that we've come to relish & rely on. From one of the best shows from one of the best years.
14
Easy Wind
May 7, 1970
DuPont Gym - MIT

A version all true heads should love, or at least hear once.
7
Monkey and the Engineer
Dec. 31, 1970
Winterland Arena

Jerry's sweet voice is extra sweet & clear during the chorus for this version than the ones from October, 1980.
39
Mason's Children
Jan. 24, 1970
Honolulu Civic Auditorium

Monster Mason's. Can't believe this one isn't here yeat. Cleanest, most coherent version. Jerry's guitar tone is pure gold.
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Comments

Black Throated Wind
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

^Agreed. But still endearing. The versions from 11/17/72 & 5/19/74 are hard to beat, however.
Tennessee Jed
May 21, 1977
Lakeland Civic Center

Never heard another Jed where Jerry employs the Mutron. A unique take indeed, and one of the best of the era - up there with 1/22/78 & 12/16/78!
Dark Star
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

I struggled with this one being ranked #1, but I’ve come to conclude that its slot is really where it should be. This Dark star is one of the darkest Stars; what’s more is the vast musical movements it takes, coupled with the superlative ensemble playing. Everybody is inspired and locked in, with each member being a finger of the collective hand. The musical conversations are out of the cosmos! This beast rocks, swings, crawls and sprawls in a psychedelic tinged voodoo gumbo of musical idioms from other planets, from other galaxies. An institution of higher learning should offer a course of study on this Star. We can all learn something new with each listen…
The Other One
Feb. 27, 1969
Fillmore West

^Agree this one holds up well compared to the others of the run, but 3/1/69 is even better (and ranked higher). Still doesn't trump Harpur for me, though.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
March 18, 1977
Winterland Arena

I neglected this one for a long time, assuming it would be inferior to the more developed and realized combos that happened in May. In a way I was right, but I have to admit one should never judge a book in the great library of the Grateful Dead! I really enjoyed this one. I can’t call this one definitive, but I’ll say it’s unique and thrilling, and a worthy addition once the titan versions of the year have been explored and enjoyed. The wah-wah in Fire, especially from (5:30-7:20 ) is raw, funky, powerful & emotive. Hunter Seamons offers another great Matrix.
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