headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

13
Bird Song
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

An intimate very early Bird Song - Quartet-styled, which serves this song really well. Also: you can hear the thinking, especially between guitars.
3
Tennessee Jed
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Ho-Hum: Another outstanding 1972 TJ. This gem from the sorta overlooked summer tour. Garcia aces the break, natch. Band - unconscious. Whew! at end.
6
Candyman
June 21, 1976
Tower Theater

From Garcia's cheeky intro on, this graceful cabochon throws a faint, warm light. 1976 elegance w/a sick, raw spider web guitar break.
2
Wharf Rat
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

First show - I didn't know this gem very well & after this criss-crossy version, I was hooked. Dark & murky.
3
Loser
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series - An intimate, casual living room Loser. Garcia coming out of the guitar break is divine. Not the actor.
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Comments

Comes A Time
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

A letter perfect ballet transition landing into the intro, followed by a dynamics-machine of a group. An emotive, deep version.
Playin' In The Band
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

The open spaces in this Playin' are nearly cinematic - peak period for the 2-drummer second coming; they set the table. Lesh repeats a melodic line and the whole thing pushes off from shore. This is a super-patient take that gets pretty far out there. A little like William Hurt in the isolation tank - primal, dark, disturbed sounds. What I love is how intimate it is - people completely opening up their minds and letting it all mingle. I can think of easier places to do it than The Palladium, but this be why the GD be unique.
Terrapin Station
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

Agree w/drumspace - this is a smokin' show that sits practically next door to the Chosen. This is a beautiful Terrapin - as smooth and pillowy as they come. Everyone did their homework on this one. Or ... road work. Probably better than 85+% Terrapins out there. I can think of a couple better, maybe, but that's about it. Weir guides the ship with his compressed, slice-n-dice guitar playing. Garcia slips on a turnaround then more than repays the indulgence with an insane guitar transition. Unique and crazy. PS: drums are perfeck. Full band massage.
Terrapin Station
May 4, 1977
The Palladium

Exactly.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 21, 1973
Assembly Hall, University Of Illinois

A little walking on a tightrope - the whole thing's a little wobbly at times, but not in a sloppy way - it's just the fragile dynamic they walk. Truly contemplative - and sometimes contemplation means hesitation. + Garcia stretches the Strat out into Other Instrument Territory. He can't help but take some ridiculous risks, but this is the essence of ambitious guitar playing. And Weir completely hammers the C>R transition, then moves over to block for the now elusive Garcia. Run to daylight, amigo. Run to daylight. [I have something in my eye!] + Spoiler alert: he does.
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