headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

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.
show more submissions

Comments

Wharf Rat
July 8, 1978
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Garcia's entrance is the stuff of dreams. I've never been in love with this show (at least proportionately to its renown), but this take is niiiiiiiiiiice.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 30, 1972
Ford Auditorium

Hear it pulsate throughout the room. Thrilling audience tape and a super tight, muscular delivery system. By the mid-point of China Cat, a switch is tripped. First-rate Grateful Dead here. Warm and bountiful.
The Other One
Dec. 6, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

It just dawned on my that Garcia flirts with The Eleven for a little while near the beginning. Wicked!
Playin' In The Band
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

Initially nothing super special, but once the spaciness starts @ 2:45 things gradually get bewitching. At about 4:45, Garcia extracts a rich, warped, stew of a guitar sound that seals the hatch and dives. In a year with some really great Playins, this one has its own real-thing thing - and it's moving up my list pretty quickly. I don't actually keep a list.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 24, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Swings super hard out of the gate and then cruises perfectly over the mountains - electric circuit controlling magnets. That's what this is all about. Classic show. Holy fuck! The peak of the transition levitates. What Godchaux is doing is avant garde. That of course leads to Garcia taking a Strat where it's never been before or since.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)