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

Eyes Of The World
Sept. 3, 1977
Raceway Park

Generally, I have mixed feelings about this show, but not about this Eyes - one of the very best post-'74 versions in circulation. Smooth, jazzbo, and Garcia is just flying. Love it! For the record - I think '77 is a great GD year. I can't listen to much of anything from '91. I was there - it was some tough sledding. Diminished Garcia, inaudible Lesh, effects-laden Weir, and two old sneakers in a dryer.
Viola Lee Blues
May 19, 1966
Avalon Ballroom

Just about letter perfect.
Bird Song
April 21, 1971
Rhode Island Auditorium

Starting with Lesh's milk chocolatey bass, this early Bird Song is almost like listening to someone stir a hot cup of Ovaltine. Beautiful, spare, patient dynamics. The space of the smaller chamber-like group makes this one so intimate and velvety. A simple, direct stunner.
The Wheel
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

This was the first Wheel I ever heard that had those windshield wiper drums and the clean, spacey dynamic I've come to associate with 1976-77 Wheels. It's a favorite from a favorite show. Pretty much everything played in this show is full featured and glorious. And yeah, the Wolf is a great guitar, but I sorta prefer the Travis Beans, especially with this kind of guitar armature. Sacrilege? Perhaps, but that's where I am on this important issue.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
June 16, 1974
Iowa State Fairgrounds

Drove home from work last night w/this on and I didn't need headlights. Garcia is working out something powerful and dark and the entire group responds accordingly. Ferocious and unique China>Rider.
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