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

Eyes Of The World
Sept. 28, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Coming out of a squooshy Estimated, this is the perfect, velvety concoction. Garcia takes her out for a sweet spin. Love Garcia on this guitar for Eyes - always sits just right.
Born Cross Eyed
Jan. 20, 1968
Eureka Municipal Auditorium

This gets so far out my friend Dave said, “OK, maybe a little something from ‘72 next?” Amazing stuff!
Playin' In The Band
March 23, 1972
Academy of Music

Sort of a perfect balance between the earlier poppy Playin's and the enchanted mechanical vapour barge of '73-74. I love all of them, but these 3/72 Playin's have a Just Right about them - and it's cool to hear the groop teasing this song out. Almost as if this space revealed itself only after playing the song for a year. This one is just about creme-de-la-creme for me. That's French for cream of the cream.
Bertha
Aug. 5, 1971
Hollywood Palladium

Full confidence on display. Kreutzmann is perfect. Full speed ahead, but with all the dynamics. Lesh changed from this bass why?
Clementine
Jan. 20, 1968
Eureka Municipal Auditorium

Liquid cotton candy. The rarity alone would merit attention, but this is a beautiful, unique angle that's obviously the Dead, but unlike quite anything else in the catalogue. Lesh drives this, but Garcia's HEAVY on it. I mean, it's just about peak level shit. SWING!