headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

viewtiful_alan

Houston Head

+1413


Submissions

2
El Paso
Dec. 7, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Lyrically precise, energetic playing, and everyone sounds like they're enjoying themselves. What more could you ask for on this one?
3
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

The shorter versions need love to, and this one hits all the sweet spots.
2
Drums
Sept. 25, 1991
Boston Garden

Fun and thunderous, this version has some great grooves.
11
Queen Jane Approximately
Sept. 16, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Clean and confident reading with lots of personality from Phil and Vince.

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.