headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

4
Ship of Fools
Oct. 18, 1978
Winterland Arena

An especially sharp and spirited specimen - expressive vocals, the rhythm section is precise, and Garcia's guitar break is masterful. A still life.
6
Tennessee Jed
Oct. 1, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Energetic, serene AND Garcia's break is pure ragtime gold. In a good TJ, the guitar is a character. Here: a little insolent. Quality.
2
The Wheel
June 28, 1976
Auditorium Theatre

That spacious, unadorned June 1976 sound is so perfect for The Wheel. This one's dynamic and delivered with feeling. Cool show.
2
Cumberland Blues
March 20, 1971
University of Iowa

Oh man: LISTEN! Vocals are mixed a bit high, but this Cumberland has all the important "little" details. Notes the quotes. B'AM!!!!
1
Tennessee Jed
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

1976: Your standard issue tipsy, warm-hearted TJ of the period. The guitar break is more conversation than guitar solo. Standard but special.
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Comments

St. Stephen
Feb. 2, 1970
Fox Theatre

Totally mastery. One of my all time favorites - into an mesmerizing jam into Mason's Children. Top o' the sleeve to you.
The Other One
April 5, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

I just think this one is unfairly overlooked. A little. Spirals out of control but never really loses control. Ferocious and merciless: Garcia's outta bounz.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
July 7, 1989
JFK Stadium

"the heart of gold ban-DUH" Nice! I was at this show and I don't recall this version being as good as it is. Probably b/c my car was sitting on the shoulder of the Schuylkill River overpass with a flat tire. Yeah - we left it there and walked down to the show.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
July 1, 1985
Merriweather Post Pavilion

How this is surpassed by versions from the 90s still baffles me.
Wharf Rat
April 12, 1971
Civic Arena

In the first half, they're definitely feeling their way through. Not 100% sure where all the changes are. Not a turn-off though. From the bridge on, they build powerful momentum until they kick into high gear in the outro jam. I don't know if Garcia's playing the peanut guitar or what, but it sounds fab. And yeah - evil use of the wah.
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