headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Houston Head

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Submissions

9
Deal
May 17, 1974
P.N.E. Coliseum

Country rock pulsing with jazzy energy. One of the most exciting pre-hiatus versions.
1
One More Saturday Night
Nov. 10, 1973
Winterland Arena

Fierce yet loose. Lots of fun is being had and it's infectious.
3
Beat it on Down The Line
Nov. 10, 1973
Winterland Arena

A little extra mustard on this one.
7
Me and Bobby McGee
Nov. 9, 1973
Winterland Arena

Uniquely satisfying. Bob and Keith lock into a mind-meld that leads Jerry in some interesting directions.
5
Jack Straw
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Unique, trippy energy on the intro. Mellow vibes throughout.
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Comments

Truckin'
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

It may not be as explosive or exploratory as the versions that would come later in the year, but this is an excellent version for conveying the band's live appeal to someone who has only experienced American Beauty + Workingman's Dead.
Uncle John's Band
Dec. 23, 1970
Winterland Arena

It may be short, but the return to the main theme is powerful and joyous, driven over the edge by exuberant Phil harmonies. Check this one out on Complete Live Rarities or the 03 WMD reissue bonus tracks.
Sugaree
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

Before it was a jam spectacle, it was a song. While the song's legacy is understandably bound to the epic versions from '77-'78, versions like this should remind us all what a fantastic song it truly is. Most pre-hiatus versions leave me wanting, but this is a near-perfect, soulful reading of this song elevated by the short-lived organ-piano combo of Pig and Keith.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
June 10, 1976
Boston Music Hall

Clean tones on Slipknot really allow for the ideas and interplay to shine through.
Cassidy
May 27, 1993
Cal Expo

The transition into UJB us a little bumpy, but the jamming before and after the sandwich is some of the best they ever did on this track.
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