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.

Comments

Here Comes Sunshine
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

Besides the notable exception of 2/15/73, I don't think any of the spring/summer versions can hold a candle to the ones of the late fall and the sole performance of 2/23/74. That said, they're still not without merit. Have you heard 5/26/73? To me, that version is kinda like the little brother of 11/21/73 (although not as good) for that dreamy, psychedelic timbre vibe. I'll forever wonder how much further the song could've ventured had they not dropped it from rotation, alas! But again, better that way then a gradual downward fizzle. Like ol' Neil said: "It's better to burn out than to fade away"...
Here Comes Sunshine
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

It's a travesty they dropped the song when it was really peaking, but in a way that only adds to the allure - we hold these few truly spectacular versions dear, don't we? It's also a mystery as to why they dropped Bird Song in mid '73 (another favorite of mine), but that's a discussion for another time. Tonights version of HCS is a stellar version; it channels a dreamy, heady, psychedelic cadence that fits the bill for those chasing that mood. As a long time devoted fan of 1973 and this particular tune, I can only say that I think the top rated versions deserve their place in their present holdings (I would change the running order, however). I have a soft spot for 2/15/73 b/c it's razor sharp and note-perfect, but it doesn't go the distance that the best one's do, namely 2/23/74, 11/17/73, 12/19/73, 12/6/73 and 11/30/73.
Blow Away
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

8/27/72 was indeed great.
Truckin'
March 26, 1973
Baltimore Civic Center

The stuff that dreams are made of! This is quintessential 1973 Grateful Dead right here. Ignore this at your own peril!
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

A grate version, no doubt.! I prefer other beasts from the year (5/17, 6/9, 9/3), but that's primarily because I enjoy those shows more. This one lacks the dynamics and personality of said others, but nevertheless it's probably the most flawless in performance. It deserves its accolades.