headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


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.
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Comments

Ramble On Rose
July 7, 1989
JFK Stadium

It's probably unfair to compare this version to 1980 -- or my favorite (5/19/77), but this is a super sweet version. I remember thinking at the time "Garcia's having a really good time" which usually boded well. The envelope filter guitar break is a gem.
Cryptical Envelopment
Jan. 2, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

Lovely, fine dining all the way.
Wharf Rat
Aug. 2, 1976
Colt Park

Garcia leans hard into this Wharf Rat, especially as a singer. And the crowd just loses its mind during the bridge. Godchaux looms large in this one. Nice basement sua sponte jam.
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 2, 1976
Colt Park

This is as exploratory as any era of this song. Gets waaaaaay the fuck out, then sounds like some groovy ECM music for a little while. Love the audience tape. Wharf Rat transition is odd, but very evocative.
Truckin'
Oct. 9, 1972
Winterland Arena

A predatory Truckin' . . . Slick, slick, slick. Garcia leaves his body - often.
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