headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

4
The Other One
Feb. 28, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Oversight Alert! Conversational then a violent row ensues. A total taste treat. 1970.
7
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

Voice shot, Garcia hums through his spidery 13 lb. guitar. With a lovely China Cat peak @4:30.
13
Tennessee Jed
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

(a) Garcia with aluminum pipe, (b) Purdie Shuffle '77 Pace, (c) Perfect Dynamic Control
7
Sugaree
Dec. 8, 1973
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke U

As a queen sits down, knowing that a chair will be there,/ Or a general raises his hand and is given the field-glasses
3
Big River
Dec. 4, 1973
Cincinnati Gardens

Dictionary entry: 1973 Big River - effortless & downstream. Exhibit A.

Comments

Bird Song
Feb. 22, 1973
Assembly Hall, University of Illinois

bzfgt: sweet interstitial analysis! Lots to review and soak in from your entries. No question: Garcia is at his peak. How long did it last? Who knows/cares? But this is right in the heart of it. Garcia seems to always be announcing while improvising - not content to simply ride the rapids, he's dictating, but doing more than just leading the group charge; he's carving new neural pathways. So declarative - such a rare bird. This is why I always say "he doesn't play guitar solos!" I always say it. It's something I always say. It built my mansion and maintains my pool. You know: pH. Propa.
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
Oct. 18, 1974
Winterland Arena

A really swell version of a song I don’t generally think about very often. Main reason: Garcia’s splashy, killer guitar break. A real taste treat.
Bird Song
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

As is often the case, the Charlie Miller version is probably the go-to, although there are a few comparative good ones out there. https://archive.org/details/gd1971-02-21.sbd.miller.116618.flac16/gd71-02-21d2t07.flac
Lost Sailor -> Saint of Circumstance
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

Garcia is feeling it throughout the Lost Sailor - some magical playing. The entire group is bringing the heavy cannons. Or something.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 23, 1971
Capitol Theater

Agreed DS67!