headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

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Submissions

2
Candyman
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Spare, almost vulnerable take on this classic. Godchaux brings the church and Garcia brings the stained glass. An American beauty.
5
Estimated Prophet
Jan. 30, 1978
Uptown Theater

You can hear the swagger in their mutterings before they play. And the performance bears that out. Sure, smooth, and effortless.
1
It Must Have Been The Roses
Aug. 4, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Center

Letter perfect - the Godchauxs take this to a loftier level. Beautiful dynamic push-and-pull by the whole group.
3
Tennessee Jed
May 25, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Planting the Flag of Civilization on this tight scorcher. New from factory - Inspector #9. Under penalty of law, this tag may not be YEAH GARCIA!
5
Candyman
Jan. 31, 1978
Uptown Theater

Dreamy, motionless rendition on a sea of individual human reactions [audience tape]. A wonderful time for this gem.
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Comments

Me and My Uncle
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They're in such peachy form here - psyched beyond belief for an honest-to-goodness European tour and playing out of their fucking minds. Love this show b/c of how excited and authoritative they are.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 9, 1981
Activity Center - University of Colorado

Jeez Louise! This Formula One C>R is unstoppable! Reminds me that I really dig 1981 versions of this tandem - most of them come with serious exuberance and vim, but this one has just a wee bit more. And Garcia just tears in during the transition - bending notes, trilling, and flying through scales like a man possessed. Not sure what Weir's doing in Rider, but it works; obviously he's having fun.
Sugaree
May 9, 1979
Broome County Arena

May not be the cream of the crop, but this one combines super great energy with a loping, smooth chill mood. Much of the former thanks to the boisterous audience tapes in circulation. The latter: one can only guess. What makes the instant version special is the collaboration between group/audience - drives this one to some really clear open spaces. Garcia, by the way, is quite buoyant and melodic. The GD is ON from this welcoming epic opener through the entire show - cool ass show. One of my faves from '79.
Terrapin Station
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

This Terrapin has everything you'd possibly want from a Terrapin - it does every little thing exceedingly well. Brash, confident, smooth. Great lift. Tough for me to decide between this one, 5/19, and 5/26. And maybe a couple of others, but I have referred - in mixed company, no less - to this one as the creme de la creme de la tutti capo creme. If it isn't, it certainly shares the crown. Gorgeous.
Jack Straw
Jan. 11, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

One of my favorite songs. I don't see how this one is (by far) the top Jack Straw. It's fine, but the drums are clunky (two old sneakers in a dryer), the vocals are so-so, and the aggression doesn't really work for this song - or at least it doesn't sound earned. I appreciate Garcia's energy, but this is one of those situations where the fanning just bulldozes everything (and doesn't really add much). Compare this to the Spring 1977 versions and it's two completely different bands. Some early 80s versions are more interesting than this one, too.
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