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
Sept. 30, 1976
Mershon Auditorium, OSU

I like shows where it's like "of course, the next one was [some famous version's date]!" Don't miss out on this bouncy gem. A tight Scarlet that can stand up to many more heralded versions.
Easy Wind
Dec. 12, 1969
Thelma Theater

A little slower than usual, but that brings gravity! A great Easy Wind! The band was so fluid with this song at this time, it's kind of crazy. Usually bluesy carries with it negative connotation (for me), but this is the genuine shit.
Rosemary
Dec. 7, 1968
Bellarmine College

I would love to have heard more - or just to hear them get cozy with this live. But I can also hear why it didn't stick in their set - just as a practical [not artistic] matter. Not 100% comfortable. But lovely and fraught.
New Potato Caboose
Dec. 7, 1968
Bellarmine College

Swinging, telepathic Caboose from a tower of show. One of my favorite, most easy-going, high-stepping versions of this song. Truly a feelin-it version. Epic Lesh break. One for the scrapbooks. Ultimately, this one winds up splintering into several Cabooses. Or Cabooiii. [yeah - look it up] And then what are you supposed to do?
The Other One
Dec. 7, 1968
Bellarmine College

Amazing, scorching Other One! The group is wrapped up like a paella. I have no idea what Garcia's doing at various points; it isn't of Planet Earth sometimes. But that seems like a reasonable ask for/from one of my main guys.
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