headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

8
Mexicali Blues
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

'73 Mexicali? Smokesville, USA.
11
Loser
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

Heavens! It took a Dave's Picks to get this on the board! Soft, seductive, dark, and pretty much perfectly realized. Guitar break: shit yeah.
3
Estimated Prophet
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

Bold, sharp, confident version with plenty of 1977 squoosh. This version has that great '77 restraint with Garcia speaking in MuTron tongues.
6
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 29, 1973
Kiel Auditorium

Attention. To. Detail. - ESP Weir. Not the world's greatest recording, but the band is bubbly & effortless.
3
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

Listened to this on a big PA outside over the summer and it's so alive, athletic, and filled with beautiful instrumental cross-talk. Improv!
show more submissions

Comments

Playin' In The Band
March 25, 1972
Academy of Music

Beautiful combination of the tight pop song version pre-/early-Godchaux & the trans-lunar injection subsequent versions will reveal. The light is going off in a big way. What sounds like a horn @4.07? I know it's not a horn, but's kind of crazy what these guys could conjure.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 24, 1979
Golden Hall, Community Concourse

A sweet, energetic Estimated and then @ 3:30, Garcia kicks in the Mu and things kick into a whole different gear. The space out is somewhat monochrome - but intense and interesting.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 26, 1980
The Sportatorium

Big. This is why people return to 80-81 China-Riders. Plunging forward like a train, but never out-of-control. Garcia stakes his claim with 13+ lbs. of wood and wires.
Estimated Prophet
April 27, 1977
Capitol Theatre

Beautiful early Estimated. Starting to take serious live - it's easy to see how much fun they're having playing. Maybe Godchaux not so much. But a joyous Estimated. My opinion. Watch the joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oktHSQTUbGE
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 27, 1977
Capitol Theatre

Effortless and high NRG. You can probably stash every Spring 1977 S>F in the upper echelon - they all have something slightly different to offer. The group had learned to be equal parts tight/in the pocket and loose/mysterious. They were dealing from great strength at this time no matter what they played. I think the point is taken.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)