headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


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

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Smooth, wheelhouse edition.
Playin' In The Band
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Everything in this show jumps out as the group is super tight and super excited. I love this show and this is a stone classic Playin' - wild, thrilling, and never out of control.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 8, 1973
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke U

There's almost a strange cautious approach at first. No rush. Then by the middle of the first break, it's a full blown talk party. It has that great springy glow indicative of Fall '73. And yeah DS67: Garcia adds rocket fuel, and everyone is FLYING. If memory serves, this entire show is a taste treat. Topic for further research.
Scarlet Begonias
Feb. 27, 1977
Robertson Gym, UC Santa Barbara

A healthy revisit. Out of the chute: a party.
Here Comes Sunshine
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

Lush & inviting. Yes, things got more adventurous with this song in the Fall, but this baby stands toe-to-toe. Everything is easy but also precise - they take the listener on a serious ride. + This is a pretty good example of why I love the Strat Years for Garcia - the machine allows Garcia to be surgical, but also vary the touch whenever he wants - note-to-note if he likes. Allows the group to engage in collective pointillism. This song lives on that. Dynamics crazy.
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