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.

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!