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

Terrapin Station
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

People talk about 5/7, 5/8, and 5/17 all the time - and for good reason: amazing Terrapins. This one, oddly, gets a little overlooked. I think it's a classic w/Weir attacking in the coda and the whole song a beautiful tension-and-release exercise. I put this one in the pantheon. And not just because the word "pant" is in there.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Jan. 24, 1971
Seattle Center Arena

This sort of fills a gap - just before they move over from the two drummers, so it sounds like '70 except there's a warmth that presages a very toasty '71. Kinda has its own thing - and I dig it.
Brown Eyed Women
April 25, 1977
Capitol Theater

Some of my favorite 6:30 in sports - Spring 77 Brown-Eyed Women. This is liquid perfection. All the players are dancing and Garcia sings it perfectly. Just the right vulnerability.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 10, 1971
East Hall, Franklin & Marshall College

Fine-tuned little monster. And, again, the bass never sounded better. Ever. I don't know if Garcia's using a frying pan or what, but it sounds big & kick-ass. A bounty. A Mountie. No joke there - just a momentary ... nothing. The guitar transition, btw, is a battle to the death! Or at least Nichols & May.
Not Fade Away
May 14, 1970
Merramec Community College

Mighty & organic. Powers through effortlessly. Or so it seems. Who doesn't dig May 1970? Don't tell me. I don't want to know. I CAN'T know. Jeezo fuck this is ferocious primal rock music w/an insane lead guitar player.
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