headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Houston Head

+1413


Submissions

7
Beat it on Down The Line
April 2, 1973
Boston Garden

Tight, inspired, and full of ideas. A stand-out version from a stand-out show.
8
Sugar Magnolia
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

Tight, hard-driving, and full of energy. A great rave up after some thoughtful somber passages before.
7
Candyman
June 16, 1991
Giants Stadium

Gorgeous soloing from Jerry and a tender vocal performance. The new mix on the Giants box really lets this one shine.
4
Bird Song
July 22, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theatre

Bobby is dripping trippy chords all over the jam. SUBLIME
5
Casey Jones
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Surprised this has no votes. This version is played with a level of energy and precision CJ rarely ever got. Great set 2 opener.

Comments

Around and Around
May 26, 1993
Cal Expo

Weir's MIDI horns manage to play up the Dead's Rock n' Roll Americana and psychedelia simultaneously. Tight version with some very spirited playing and cool ideas on display.
Walking Blues
May 26, 1993
Cal Expo

One of the best Vince solos I've ever heard. Agree with the commenter above, this one has a sort of cocky strut to it. It definitely boogies harder than other versions I've heard.
Loose Lucy
Dec. 16, 1992
Oakland Coliseum Arena

Never one of my favorite songs in any year, but Garcia absolutely smokes the main solo.
Cumberland Blues
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Re: The bluegrass quote, according to an Archive commenter, it's a lick from Sugar Foot Rag. That aside, this one fucking smokes.
Box of Rain
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

I'm sure the '80s versions were a treat to hear live, but this is easily the finest reading of this song in a live setting. The vocals are steady and impassioned, the playing is tight, and you rarely get both on this masterpiece of a song.