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

Scarlet Begonias
July 14, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

And yes DS67, you can hear the nearing of Fire. Yr spot on. So are they! Just a super kick ass rendition of this fireball. The front row balcony version of this show, this version of Scarlet, is perfect - you can hear the joy spread throughout the theatre in warm concentric waves. This is rapidly becoming a fave take. Not sure where you were hiding, mon ami.
Candyman
Jan. 10, 1978
Shrine Auditorium

Weir is all over this crack 78 version. Smooth comping. Everyone's antennae-up. It's like a conversation in the form of a song. Or like a song in the form of a conversation. Garcia's scarred voice is great in this song - just makes it cooler. By the end, the band (if not Garcia's voice) is full-throat.There are so many moving pieces in this machine, and it all hums like a honey. Did I just type that? Fuck.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 3, 1981
Cleveland Music Hall

Agree w/Merry Jerry re the Feelin' Groovy jams - as much as I love '73-'74 China>Riders, that always seems a little contrived [probably why '72s are my faves]. Not to be overlooked: the early-/mid-80s versions. Garcia is more bluegrass-charged and spider-webby than during the prior decade. Here he's super patient - like he's sitting on the back porch. And Brent is mixed appropriately.
Playin' In The Band
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

Listening again. The expanse is great - holds it own vs. those historic '72-'73s. Garcia's in crazy sweet form. I mean, top drawer guitar playing. Love the transition into The Wheel (really it's own little instrumental pop single). This show has so many stand-out versions of songs. It's just nuts. Y'Hear me?
Tennessee Jed
Sept. 24, 1976
William and Mary College Hall

Oh yes - a sweet spot Tennessee. Garcia hitting those low notes like a brush of black paint. They completely leave the song and jump right back in. What a fucking monster. 76 + TJ
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