headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

10
Jack Straw
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

Relaxed and joyous space-age electric guitar semi-ballad.
9
Bertha
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

Warp speed, precise, slightly unhinged, and driving into the greenish-blue evening.
1
Jack Straw
Oct. 30, 1971
Taft Auditorium

Godchaux leads a version that seethes with the excitement of a new song.
3
Brown Eyed Women
May 20, 1973
U.C.

A giggly, slangy Garcia masterpiece (in sweet show sauce). Goes down EZ.
8
Mexicali Blues
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

So good you can practically see the border town.

Comments

Stella Blue
July 18, 1976
Orpheum Theater

So precise and confident, it's almost like a show tune. Can't deliver the package any better than this. Garcia takes smart liberties vocally, so there's a looseness and genuine sentiment behind his voice. Articulation. + That's before Garcia takes a lullaby stroll of a guitar break. And silverfoil clean aluminum guitar-in-the-shower step out as the coda/jam begins. + As everyone here indicates, they stick the landing.
The Wheel
July 18, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Gets off to an uncertain start, but gradually kicks into several other gears. Some parts are as sublime as this song gets. And yeah: Garcia's slide is a thing. Wow.
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

Fall 72 Playins are such finely tuned machines. Haven't met one I don't dig. Like many from this period, this one could match anything at the Bonneville Salt Flats. + Garcia and Godchaux at times seem to be going mano y mano even though the group is cooking. Garcia has at least three out-of-body experiences. + Coming in at < 17 minutes = no dead wood.
Brown Eyed Women
April 14, 1972
Tivolis Koncertsal

Cruise control. In the best way. I don't know how 4+ minutes can deliver so much sunshine. Stay tuned for my white paper on this number.
They Love Each Other
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

A silky, smooth . . . machine. There, I said it! Dave says, "Nothing says 1973 more than this." Cheers! Crispy, springy ball o' twine.