headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

3
Sugaree
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

Another example of how Sugaree thrived in 6/76: Garcia's sweet, mellow, bubbly silver thread guitar and group dynamics both jaunty & subtle. Primo.
4
Tennessee Jed
Nov. 23, 1973
County Coliseum

If possible, a very contemplative TJ. Everyone's in apex '73 form, esp. Godchaux who's mixed fairly high to good effect.
2
St. Stephen
Nov. 5, 1970
Capitol Theater

Of the heavenly 1970 Capitol Theater St. Stephens. Just a beautiful union between audience and group. Killer Stephen! CRUNCH!
4
Here Comes Sunshine
Sept. 26, 1973
War Memorial

Show opener - the perseverence is what really sells me on this one. A struggle, but a worthy one b/c the spoils are lush. Sneaky great.
9
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 18, 1972
Kongressaal, Deutsches Museum

Crazy overlooked: A noble, splendiferous C>R in full Europe 72-ness. Patient, exploratory, charming. Driving a distance? Pack this.
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Comments

Candyman
June 11, 1976
Boston Music Hall

In a moving '76 way, this is basically perfect - complete band sympathy. Grace, dynamics. And Garcia sings over the bed beautifully. This version floats in '76 jello mold. And Garcia's insane Atlantis break with Hart's beautiful, choppy ride compliment is nearly too much. It just levitates. All of it. That they brought this transport as regularly as they did is incredible. Yet, I wouldn't call this Candyman ordinary or regular at all. It's a stand-out.
The Other One
Jan. 2, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

For a quick second I thought Weir was Robert Fripp. Garcia is in prime late 69/70 form but Fendery. This is such a comfortable, light-on-its-feet version it goes down like a [fill in yr favorite, warm pillowy confection] in a [a cylindrical object or embankment of some kind]. Such a smooth, telepathic landing after getting pretty far out.
Dark Star
Jan. 17, 1969
Civic Auditorium

A full-bodied confident Garcia plays with a bunch of mini-themes in the first half. Then mood turns quite serious @ 7:00. Really sweet staircase guitar dialogue ensues with Garcia finally hitting a steady, insistent arpeggiation against Weir's comps. Two guitar players who listen. The whole group, really. Guitar rock.
Bertha
April 26, 1972
Jahrhunderthalle

Love love love this version. Everyone's got a tiger in his tank, but Kreutzmann really leads the pack here. Those quick fills. Ace.
Viola Lee Blues
April 6, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

Crazy, explosive stuff. I don't how much more intensely a rock band can play - and yet it is so smooth. At about 9:26, Garcia and Lesh play chicken. High speed chicken. Then everything goes fucking haywire, like Vietnam haywire. And then you're at your front door. I had a lovely evening!
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