headyversion

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Houston Head

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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.
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Comments

Truckin'
July 9, 1989
Giants Stadium

The jam here makes me very happy, but it also kind of bums me out. The band breaks free into a fun and interesting space, but the self-imposed rigidity of the 80s show format wins out and has them walking off stage right at the precipice of something new and unique. It's everything beautiful and frustrating about 80s Dead all at once.
Drums -> Space
July 7, 1989
JFK Stadium

One of the more thoughtful explorations in MIDI-era Space
Terrapin Station
July 4, 1989
Rich Stadium

Maybe not the most epic jam, but the performance is laser sharp, helping the weight of the piece land properly in a way that tended to elude the band in earlier years.
Not Fade Away
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Everyone makes the most of the jam space on this version, and the combo of Pigpen and Ned Lagin allows for some new sonic textures in this version.
Loser
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Jerry's fresh eyes toward this song result in a slightly different reading of the lyrics. Here he comes on like a charmer, really pitching his plan and hoping you'll buy what he's selling. The world weary tone he would give the narrator later on ultimately suits the song more, but the early enthusiasm gives this reading its own special feeling. Check it out.
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