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

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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