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.
show more submissions

Comments

The Other One
Feb. 20, 1971
Capitol Theater

Following a Drums to die for, they ease into a spacious jam and get quiet enough you can actually hear Pig. Beautiful, dynamic rendition of a sock hop favorite. Band at full mastery - they take as much time as they like b/c the detail is everything! Gets into little nanoworld phases and then back out effortlessly. Grace and control. Friends listening to each other - that's what this is.
Ship of Fools
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

This is one of my favorite Ship of Fools. Has the clarity of earlier versions with the emotion and fragility of the later ones. Weir is just Captain Tenille all the way through. Love his playing here.
The Eleven
April 21, 1969
The Ark

Total and massive control over the hovercraft. Some people prefer the Garcia sound of SG through Fender Twin above all others. Listen to this to understand why (even if you don't agree). In any event, Garcia's absolutely flying in this one.
The Other One
Aug. 21, 1968
Fillmore West

Oh, this is rancid! A band almost too tightly wound. The intensity was not probably sustainable, but you can still treasure these shows for that fearsome pace and attention to detail. The second half of 1968 is out-o-bounds Grateful Dead. I mark Exhibit A and offer it into the record.
Dark Star
Nov. 7, 1971
Harding Theatre

1971 Dark Stars sorta never get their due, but they're unique in the way 1971 is so unique on the Grateful Dead Timeline. More intimate than perhaps what they did a year later - a little spacier than earlier versions. This version (especially with Godchaux bringing something glimmering and new to the table) is like a study - and not in a cold, clinical way. Very much conversational GD & great listeners they were. The thematic shifts are natural, unforced, and completely logical. Art rock.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)