headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1495


Submissions

7
Mind Left Body Jam
Oct. 30, 1973
Kiel Auditorium

Sandwiched between a dreamy Dark Star. Not the definitive version perhaps, but it belongs in the discussion.
33
Cold Jordan
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Can believe this one isn't already here! A beautiful version from one of the top five shows ever played.
11
Casey Jones
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Near flawless version from a near flawless tour. The whole band is locked in on the home stretch here, and keith is hammerin' away on those ivories..
15
Beat it on Down The Line
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

Tight, inspired, rockin'. Best of the Euro '72 run. Give it some love, folks!
19
Deal
May 11, 1972
Rotterdam Civic Hall

One knows from Jerry's opening vocals "cost a lot to win" sung with extra twang, that it's gonna be rockin' with that good county, funky vibe.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Feb. 24, 1973
University of Iowa

February '73 Playin's are a force to be reckoned with! In fact, I'd like to go down on record as claiming it's the single greatest month in GD history in terms of so many superlative versions played within such a short time span. Listen with wonderment.
Bird Song
Feb. 22, 1973
Assembly Hall, University of Illinois

Criminally underrated version. This one has that February '73 magic. Catch this bird if you can.
The Other One
Feb. 19, 1973
International Amphitheatre

One of the most underrated versions out there, to be sure. Philophiles can have a field day with this one. If you're just discovering this one for the first time, I envy you...
Bird Song
Feb. 17, 1973
St. Paul Auditorium

This Birdsong takes flight early, spreads its mighty wings, and rides a thermal of musical energy that'll take you there if you allow it. It's one of the best of the year, in a year packed with stellar versions.
Playin' In The Band
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

All versions performed in February of ‘73 are superlative, but this one is truly unique. Spanning only 15 minutes, this “Playin’” is kept on a shorter leash for the era, but not a note is wasted. It’s reminiscent of the more energetic, compact versions offered during the European tour the previous year, but it’s infused with more measured and thoughtful directions. Jerry seems to place his notes and voiced phrases with careful lyrical expression. At the 2:55 mark, he employs his familiar “underwater” tone, exploring various peaks and valleys before arriving at a segment described by a reviewer as a “wonderful, spooky jam.” Commencing at 7:10, Jerry plays a repeating lick for 20 seconds before the pseudo theme dissolves into an impressionistic jazz wash with Keith and Billy banging, and Phil deftly milking his bass. At 11:55, the band journeys into an almost quiet, spacey abyss for a moment before Jerry hints the telltale notes to bring them back home… but hold your horses! Jerry then mysteriously drops out for a few seconds, before returning in earnest with a swirling flurry of dreamy, delicate notes that seemingly dance off his fret-board effortlessly.