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

Playin' In The Band
Oct. 14, 1977
Hofheinz Pavilion

A beautiful example of a 77 Playin' - but then most of them are all. The Hofheinz version ambles along and then you realize some intense point without seeing it coming. Group was such a juggernaut at times that year.
Eyes Of The World
March 29, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

Thanks Q_76. I don't like bagging on anyone's favorite anything; this is subjective stuff. That said, I really just don't get it. And that's my problem. + By the way, on the whole generational issue: I came of age in the Mydland era (first show 1985), but I have no illusions. I know, as great as the group could be (Merriweather '85), they were a shadow of their greatest self (arguably 1968-77). I knew it then and it didn't stop me from enjoying the hell out of the shows I attended.
Eyes Of The World
March 29, 1990
Nassau Coliseum

I'm a Branford Marsalis fan and, in some ways, I come to the GD from a jazz background, but this version above versions from '74-77? That's insane on so many levels! This is some serious mushy, old-sneakers-in-a-dryer stuff. To me: not just not one of the best, but not very good, period. There's no snap, no pace, no meaningful guitar interaction, no Lesh (that bloody awful 6-strng bass), a weak Garcia vocal, and a rhythm section without much rhythm. That this version has more votes than - oh I dunno, Louisville '74 - is impossible for me to comprehend.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 10, 1982
Iowa Fieldhouse - University of Iowa

This is a fantastic example of an early '80s C>R - just hums along and Garcia is at his spidery, psych/grass '80s best. This whole show is an early favorite of mine.
The Other One
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

Yes, viewtiful: a deeply underrated show. This is, no doubt, a highlight, but the Tennessee Jed and Truckin' also pack a punch-and-a-half. Check M out!
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