headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


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.
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Comments

Tennessee Jed
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Right you are, DS67. I know this one - a little surprised I didn't vote for it earlier. I'm always a fan of Garcia starting the guitar break on the low E or A string - so much character (it's like a mini-narrative in the middle of the song). This one is relaxed and slurry; there's almost a bit of '76 going on in his playing. Best of both worlds?
Candyman
Nov. 2, 1977
Field House - Seneca College

A lovely C-Man, although I'm not sure I agree that Garcia's guitar break is superior to 5/28 (or 6/7 for that matter).
Dancin' in the Streets
June 11, 1976
Boston Music Hall

An invigorating constitutional. At @ 4:30, Garcia's bubbly countenance takes over. The drums go Apocalypse Now & it just works.
Estimated Prophet
May 5, 1977
New Haven Coliseum

A sweet re-visit. One of those reminders of just how good Betty Cantor-Jackson was at her gig. Beautiful recording of Estimated beautifully played. I can't imagine what one would quibble with here. Sorry - I can't imagine with what one would quibble here. True, not as intense as later versions, but lovingly rendered. And Garcia's guitar coda was never more lush, expressive, and intense than May 1977. That's where this song distinguishes itself from later editions.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

agreed jchiulli - this is pretty close to Half-Step perfection. This and May 4 leap to mind as peak performances.
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