headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

13
Bird Song
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

An intimate very early Bird Song - Quartet-styled, which serves this song really well. Also: you can hear the thinking, especially between guitars.
3
Tennessee Jed
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Ho-Hum: Another outstanding 1972 TJ. This gem from the sorta overlooked summer tour. Garcia aces the break, natch. Band - unconscious. Whew! at end.
6
Candyman
June 21, 1976
Tower Theater

From Garcia's cheeky intro on, this graceful cabochon throws a faint, warm light. 1976 elegance w/a sick, raw spider web guitar break.
2
Wharf Rat
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

First show - I didn't know this gem very well & after this criss-crossy version, I was hooked. Dark & murky.
3
Loser
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series - An intimate, casual living room Loser. Garcia coming out of the guitar break is divine. Not the actor.
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Comments

Sugaree
June 18, 1976
Capitol Theatre

I should add, my possible all-time favorite is June 15, 1976, which encapsulates just about everything beautiful about the Spring '76 iteration. https://archive.org/details/gd76-06-15.sbd.kempa.241.sbeok.shnf
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Just got back from the gym and listened to this classic on the elliptical. Perfect! This C>R chugs like the best of the 80-81s and Garcia, as others have mentioned, is out front and at his 80s space-bluegrass best. Notes within scales within chords. Nobody approaches a break like this guy. Not even close. A great sounding recording just highlights the majesty of Garcia's playing - you can hear it echoing off the concession stand and bouncing off the scoreboard.
Althea
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Just soaking in the audience ambiance - perfect for an '81 Althea. Probably one of Garcia's last great songs and, of course, he simply tears it up here. Shimmering gold leaf guitar accents. Just in time for the holidays!
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 3, 1972
Folsom Field, University of Colorado

Don't sleep on this one! Of course, it's a 1972 China>Rider, but it doesn't really distinguish itself from the other greats until Garcia's second guitar break, which is a taste treat - then the third break is JUST insane. He digs deep and does something . . . I dunno, completely new? Then the breakdown/transition is super patient and simmering. All the while, the whole crew has its collective hat set at a jaunty angle. You would too. Admit it.
Bird Song
Nov. 12, 1972
Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Hall

As noted, if you love stringed instruments, this one has Garcia, Weir, and Lesh in absolute peak collectors condition. Highlights their great interplay & illustrates the impact these three have on the overall group dynamic. Strange recording, but a whole mess o' fun.
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