headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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quinn_76

thunder mtn

+1585


Submissions

11
Cassidy
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

The previous night's version was tasty, but this one is delicious. The nomination for this one is long overdue. The whole show is quintessential '76
2
Bird Song
Dec. 26, 1981
Oakland Auditorium

Whoa! This one somehow slipped through the cracks - A hidden gem for sure!
7
Jack Straw
Oct. 31, 1980
Radio City Music Hall

Opens the first electric set from the last (and best) show from the 8 night run at NYC's Radio City Music Hall. Its nomination is long overdue!
5
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 17, 1978
Winterland Arena

This should be on the map. Follow it to find the treasure!
3
Me and My Uncle
June 8, 1974
Coliseum Stadium

Alert! This one not a throw-away. The best one of '74, no foolin'. Played with a perfect balance of gusto, gumption & grit.
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

This is a stupendous showcase, like virtually every one played in 1973. The “Feelin’ Groovy Jam” that graces the transitional jam out of “China Cat” would not be in the fold for another month, but nevertheless the jamming here is very sprightly and inspired. The band is firing on all cylinders with concentrated syncopation, and Jerry’s needlepoint licks make sitting still nearly impossible. He even quotes the “Mountain Jam” for a brief spell commencing around the 6:15 mark.
Here Comes Sunshine
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

This is only the second performance, and yet it stands out as one of the best versions of the year. The band plays with a deft confidence as if the song has been in rotation for years. It’s not without spots of dubious vocal harmonies, but they are more than made up for by Jerry’s pointed chops that seem to fly from his Stratocaster (“Alligator”) and pierce the sky! Later versions of this tune would become longer, more exploratory, and even better, but none more sharp and focused.
El Paso
June 18, 1974
Freedom Hall

I'll forever place this one and 11/11/73 as the choice cuts for this tune. I don't like El Paso, yet I love these versions! If you're a Keith fan, watch out! He's got gunpowder wedged in his fingernails!
El Paso
Nov. 11, 1973
Winterland Arena

I waffle between this one and 6/18/74 for being best-ever versions. Either way, they're both extraordinary versions of what some peg a less than extraordinary song.
El Paso
Feb. 9, 1973
Roscoe Maples Pavilion - Stanford University

Hey "some4you"- listen to both11/11/73 and 6/18/74 and get back to me!
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