headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

2
Bertha
March 14, 1971
Camp Randall Field House

At :30 Pig switches from tambourine to organ and we're off! These early '71 performances showcase Kreutzmann reveling in sweet space. Driving.
6
Loser
Feb. 19, 1971
Capitol Theater

A delicate, tight, searching super early version of a staple. Kruetzmann plays it light and springy and that 1971 Lesh caramel bass guitar!
3
Tennessee Jed
June 11, 1976
Boston Music Hall

If you know this smooth customer of a show, you know how drynamic [yes, I typed that] and user friendly this TJ is. An always welcome visitor.
2
Sugaree
June 26, 1976
Auditorium Theatre

Few things better than a June '76 Sugaree. Garcia with the first Travis Bean just sketches with the lightest, barest of precious metal filaments.
3
Tennessee Jed
July 22, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theatre

Summer '72 Jed: Sweet dynamics & precision engineering. Weir & Kreutzmann stir it up during Garcia's guitar break.

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!