headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1585


Submissions

1
Loser
Oct. 30, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

Best Loser you haven’t heard yet! Jerry takes the solo for an extra walk around the block! Required listening folks!
1
Candyman
March 7, 1981
Cole Field House

Jerry’s tone is just impeccable here! Moreover, Jerry adds a tad more umph to the soulful vocals. A standout of the era!
2
Big River
Oct. 21, 1973
Omaha Civic Auditorium

Blazing version, but I nominated it primarily for its placement within the context of the tasty Playin'->Half-Step->Big River->Playin' sandwich.
3
Deal
June 30, 1973
Universal Amphitheatre

Jerry's pipes never sounded sweeter, and Keith's barrel-house piano chops complements perfectly!
6
Deal
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

Deserves mention.

Comments

Here Comes Sunshine
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

Besides the notable exception of 2/15/73, I don't think any of the spring/summer versions can hold a candle to the ones of the late fall and the sole performance of 2/23/74. That said, they're still not without merit. Have you heard 5/26/73? To me, that version is kinda like the little brother of 11/21/73 (although not as good) for that dreamy, psychedelic timbre vibe. I'll forever wonder how much further the song could've ventured had they not dropped it from rotation, alas! But again, better that way then a gradual downward fizzle. Like ol' Neil said: "It's better to burn out than to fade away"...
Here Comes Sunshine
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

It's a travesty they dropped the song when it was really peaking, but in a way that only adds to the allure - we hold these few truly spectacular versions dear, don't we? It's also a mystery as to why they dropped Bird Song in mid '73 (another favorite of mine), but that's a discussion for another time. Tonights version of HCS is a stellar version; it channels a dreamy, heady, psychedelic cadence that fits the bill for those chasing that mood. As a long time devoted fan of 1973 and this particular tune, I can only say that I think the top rated versions deserve their place in their present holdings (I would change the running order, however). I have a soft spot for 2/15/73 b/c it's razor sharp and note-perfect, but it doesn't go the distance that the best one's do, namely 2/23/74, 11/17/73, 12/19/73, 12/6/73 and 11/30/73.
Blow Away
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

8/27/72 was indeed great.
Truckin'
March 26, 1973
Baltimore Civic Center

The stuff that dreams are made of! This is quintessential 1973 Grateful Dead right here. Ignore this at your own peril!
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

A grate version, no doubt.! I prefer other beasts from the year (5/17, 6/9, 9/3), but that's primarily because I enjoy those shows more. This one lacks the dynamics and personality of said others, but nevertheless it's probably the most flawless in performance. It deserves its accolades.