headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

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.

Comments

Estimated Prophet
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Pure restaurant quality. It's hard to choose an Estimated from this month (I'm partial to 5/19), but this one sits comfortably in the pantheon.
Terrapin Station
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Oh fuck. They're just toying with us here. This is pure liquid silk. It's a love affair between group and song. Play this for your loved ones; it's win-win. Everyone wins.
Wharf Rat
Oct. 18, 1978
Winterland Arena

This is a hidden gem - beautiful recording, the band is light on the pedals, firm/relaxed stewardship. Really a top sleeve Wharf Rat. This is a very interesting show. I like the energy. I dig it.
The Other One
Jan. 3, 1970
Fillmore East

To think that they could deliver the goods like this on a regular basis boggles the mind. Even though the drums get sort of shambling at times, the drive is all there - and Garcia is the lighthouse beacon. He's just on fire. And TC is a large part of this disturbed mood piece; a big part of the momentum. Good shit. Dude in the audience loses his mind @9:10 - when they transition back into the signature riff & you can all see why. Olympian.
Big Railroad Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Of course, everything from this show is blue ribbon. Big RR is no diff - Kreutzmann is just rocket fuel and Garcia is in prime Stratocaster form throughout. 1972 was a killer year for this little firecracker.