headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

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Submissions

1
Mister Charlie
Dec. 4, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

The blues is strong here, Jerry's solo is truly incredible. Keith laying it down with Pigpen in the Garden rapping up a storm. One of the best.
1
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 23, 1978
Capital Centre

The band tries to catch Jerry and wolf as they’re seemingly on the loose. Traversing through snowy mountaintops. A wonderful journey.
1
Good Lovin'
March 9, 1981
Madison Square Garden

Brent’s organ takes this to another level. I’m partial towards the Pigpen Version, but this shines in its own ways. Lovely phrasing from Jerry as well
1
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
March 9, 1981
Madison Square Garden

Shocked to not see this here yet. Absolute scorcher from a really great show. Jerry’s tone cuts through like a scorching hot knife. Skin your wife.
1
Drums
Aug. 12, 1972
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

Coming out of He's Gone. Billy goes ham, hitting the drums like a machine gun.

Comments

The Other One
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

A lot of what I love about Europe 72 The Other Ones and Dark Stars is how many thematic jams there are within each version. For example this can go to wild, dark matter space that melts you down to the very atom, and then spring immediately back into a Caution jam, or a hyperspace acid country jazz fusion jam that shows the bands burning curiosity towards exploring new realms. There’s this familiarity and nostalgia of an era that I never experienced that I get from Europe 72 jams specifically that resonates with me and feels familiar to my subconscious. I always thought that in my past life, I was a Deadhead touring the country with these guys. I’m too young to have experienced the dead, but it’s moments like these that make me feel truly complete with the music. Spectacular El Paso sandwich, another moment where they summon a spellbound twister that takes the listener into a geometric cantina where you live out a cowboy’s surrealist daydream. I’ve made that comparison with 12/4/71 The Other One and 4/24/72 Dark Star. I love this music so much.
Truckin'
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

In this version they show their European audience why this rose to the top of the charts in Turlock California. Gets real spacey before the drums as they show hints of what spaces they will explore next in The Other One. This is a fiery, powerhouse of a Truckin’.
Playin' In The Band
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Like taking a ride on Halley’s Comet. Regal, and powerful in ways beyond explanation. The peak of this jam has Keith and Phil exploring some strange new realms as Jerry lays down some fiery colossal lines that decimates anything in its path. What a start to, in my opinion, the Dead’s best tour.
The Other One
April 6, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

Jerry uses his guitar as a scythe to claim the souls of his audience, acting as the grim reaper with his terrifyingly powerful guitar playing. This you down decrepit corridors and even a walk through the graveyard. Horror dead at its finest. The sound of Frankenstein’s monster raging and destroying everything in its path. As heavy as Sabbath. 7:30 Phil and Jerry get into a serious discussion that’s worth every effort to hear.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

71 had the best NFA>GDTRFL>NFA combos of their entire career. This is no exception, and arguably one of the most underrated. This has momentum all the way through, this train ain’t wanting for one. Powerful version that has some incredible guitar playing, and a stunning example of Billy’s freedom after Mickey’s departure. The ending jam is a blissful space that the band hold onto instead of going directly into the NFA reprise. A mellow and emotional Darkness jam ensues and we get to enjoy this stunning piece of art in action. I’m loving Phil’s bass work at the end as well. Don’t miss this one.