headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


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.
show more submissions

Comments

The Wheel
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

What a gorgeous set opener. This Wheel is the ideal combination of spacey and precise. Their delicate control of dynamics is especially rewarding here. Love '76 Wheels and this version reminds me why.
Brown Eyed Women
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

Such an amazing show - Brown-Eyed Women don't get much better than this. Garcia's bubbly guitar break is jaw dropping.
Scarlet Begonias
Oct. 19, 1974
Winterland Arena

The coda on this version swings for weeks - the group is on fire. Garcia's playing throughout is breathtaking and I like the D. Godchaux whirls and wails - she clearly stands a distance from the microphone to get a more disembodied, ethereal, subtle sound. Also - I love the give-and-take in the coda jam; it isn't just Garcia dominating, but when he asserts his presence, it's declarative, definitive, and scorching.
Dire Wolf
Sept. 10, 1974
Alexandra Palace

A song about death & destruction (Weir) - performed friendly, loose, & laid-back. Lesh's bass sounds quite nice and Garcia's vocal is an outgoing croon. Dig Garcia's guitar breaks - again really loose, almost like he's swinging in a hammock. Weir's comping is sweet.
Dark Star
Feb. 2, 1970
Fox Theatre

Pretty much right in my Dark Star wheelhouse: 1970, baby! Not quite as earth-shattering as 2/13 or 9/19, but well worth your time.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)