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

The Other One
June 24, 1970
Capitol Theatre

Late-Spring 1970 is such a sweet spot for The Other One. I'm also more familiar with the CLASSIC late show, but this is fabulous. And I dig the audience recordings from Portchester, 1970. So much top shelf listening.
The Other One
May 15, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

Lesh and Garcia burst out with such abandon and force, I have to think they were just chomping at the bit during Drums. Ferocious and especially all out for an early show entry. Right around peak form for the time. Which is peak form pretty much anytime.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
June 22, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

Upon more reflection, this version sets right out in the perfect gait. Then Garcia, Godchaux, and Lesh are free to embark on a loose, easy, rpm synchronized swim. The Weir jam is one of the grooviest - the two guitars dueling, jabbing, ducking, weaving down a turquoise waterslide.
Scarlet Begonias
June 8, 1974
Coliseum Stadium

Start with Lesh's corduroy bass and let it fly from there. As Carrion said, amazing ensemble playing - intricate and virtuoso, but sounds as easy as slipping in the tub. Garcia's sweet voice. And a guitar with seemingly endless ideas -- even within a tidy 6 minutes. Garcia at his most fluid and modern. And the ending is tiiiyyyeeeettt.
Brown Eyed Women
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Booof! American Bandstand perfect. Garcia's flying.
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