headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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nonoyolker

Weirs Jort Army

+56070


Submissions

13
Feel Like A Stranger
March 31, 1984
Marin County Civic Center

Funky stuff. Jerry makes some excellent licks and Brent has fine supporting contributions. Heady, for sure
14
Friend of the Devil
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

I really dig this version. Bouncy and understated. Bobby and Keith with excellent supportive rhythmic contributions. Jerry with country twang vocals
38
Let It Grow
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

End jam is very dense and thick. Very strong effort with great backing from the rhythm devils
28
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 26, 1987
Hartford Civic Center

Hot, compact ChinaCat jam, but the highlight is Jerry hammering the "headlight" lyric in Rider. Gave me chills (as most similar later versions do)
12
Estimated Prophet
March 27, 1987
Civic Center

Very tight version. Jerry nails the noodles richly, making for a far out excursion. Only issue is a seemingly rushed Eyes segue

Comments

Dire Wolf
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

Super bouncy, precise version. Crisp
Truckin'
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

I credit the mere existence of this jam to the Billy the Kid, channeling his inner Art Blakey and refusing to let the end of Truckin' dissolve to natural conclusion. Bill kept the driving the splashy high hats, then Bobby caught wise with a clever rhythmic pattern, then Phil dove in with the foundational low end. To my ears, this is one of the most easily identifiable and exemplary jams that highlight just how much certain Dead jams could be classified as pure free-form jazz. The period before Spanish Jam could have been pouring out of Blue Note, rather than the Philly Spectrum. Bill takes home the MVP on this in a big way, but everyone makes incredible contributions on this all-timer version. Very grateful to finally have a polished SBD in the new Dave's release!
Good Lovin'
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

Agree with comments above. The mid/end "jam" is funky, unique, and hints strongly at the impending Samson. Def worth a spin
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

In a night that is a veritable human highlight reel, this Playin' is a shining example of why this show should be unquestionably in the upper echelon. The initial jam is absolutely hypnotic and entrancing, then Jerry's driven lead is a mature, pointed, and a clear emotional communication. He is on a mission. Purposeful, doesn't devolve into chaos - there is thoughtful intent throughout. Always been a top 3 for me and finally having the joy of hearing on vinyl after a recent buy. This one deserves way, wayyyy (like WAY) more dap
Cassidy
June 17, 1991
Giants Stadium

Lengthy (relatively speaking), dreamy jam in the middle. Whole band connecting as a unified voice.