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

Here Comes Sunshine
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

This is a real saucy take on a classic. Very fond of this show - so no surprise the Here Comes Sunshine gleams like a fleam. All the subtleties are thrown in for the price of the ham. Garcia's floating on a cloud - at the height of his bendy years. The world moves in slow motion for him.
Terrapin Station
Jan. 11, 1978
Shrine Auditorium

Nice, aggressive version. Plenty of P&V. Godchaux key sound is a little cheesy, but everyone's playing is really strong & assured. And Garcia's in fine voice. Sweet outro and fade.
Sugaree
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

Epic, but never feels overlong. Right in the comfort zone of killer Sugarees.
Cryptical Envelopment
April 12, 1969
Student Union Ballroom, U. Utah

Spacey, awkward, strange, and some absolute peak period Grateful Dead in a not-so-neat little package. Imperfect and essential- like a living organism.
The Eleven
April 20, 1969
Clark University

Powerhouse is RIGHT! This one's not significantly behind the two Ark versions, which is some of the best Grateful Dead you can find. Anywhere. This is the Garcia who defies physics and history. Thick slices of vault-aged SG/Fender Twin. Nothin' but the best! KYUUUCK! Post-script: not behind the Ark versions at all, really.
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