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

Mason's Children
Jan. 3, 1970
Fillmore East

Very charming version. The playing is so crispy and sprightly - loads of charisma! Love the snappy snare fills (Kreutzmann, I believe) and the circusy organ.
Wharf Rat
April 5, 1971
Manhattan Center

Kreutzmann's snare sets everything else up. At its inception, this song was so fully realized and Lesh's bass line is so deliriously cool and underhanded - just amazing. Clean and clear Spring 71 Wharf Rat - although Garcia barely gets out "motherfucker" (something like "munnerfuggr") - maybe he was coy. Maybe he was Coy Bacon. Either way, all is forgiven just a few seconds into the floating bridge. They made every Wharf Rat count in '71. Hey - it was new! They were excited!
Me and My Uncle
March 18, 1971
Fox Theatre

A prototype. The guitars steer everything, but Weir's vocal is inspired, too. A perfect little gem.
High Time
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Hmmmm .... May 1977. Fox Theatre. High Time. That's a version of the stars-aligning narrative. Oh yeah: Betty Board, Charlie Miller. I've always been fond of this show and this set list. The empathy of the band makes this special. Along with the warm, heartfelt signing. And the weaving guitars. I think I previously let this one slip from my gaze - no longer. It's a classic High Time, which, in my mind, is one of the great Garcia-Hunter creations. Not something you hear everyday - of May, 1977. Treasure it. Bask in it. Float along with it. Quite lovely.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Funny darkstar67. Truthfully, I take in a lot of my GD working out/running. When I listened to the '72 Cat last night, I was drinking a beer.
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