headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

10
Jack Straw
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

Relaxed and joyous space-age electric guitar semi-ballad.
9
Bertha
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

Warp speed, precise, slightly unhinged, and driving into the greenish-blue evening.
1
Jack Straw
Oct. 30, 1971
Taft Auditorium

Godchaux leads a version that seethes with the excitement of a new song.
3
Brown Eyed Women
May 20, 1973
U.C.

A giggly, slangy Garcia masterpiece (in sweet show sauce). Goes down EZ.
8
Mexicali Blues
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

So good you can practically see the border town.
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Comments

Dark Star
May 31, 1969
McArthur Court, University of Oregon

Sure-handed and jaunty at the opening flag, then just a couple of minutes in, Garcia takes things darker and thornier & the band knows to remove Envelope K from the Blue Drawer and initiate the protocol. Code name: uuuuhhhh. Garcia gives a hearty YEAH at about 4:34 before cascading into the abyss. With a song in his heart. A magnificent Dark Star from a classic show. Nothing else you need. Kick back and enjoy the tour.
Dark Star
Aug. 30, 1969
Family Dog at the Great Highway

A great Dark Star featuring much consideration, maybe a few furrowed brows, but ultimately a celebration of having this rich brew to be able to serve out to the audience - then and now.
Playin' In The Band
May 16, 1972
Theatre Hall

Such a perfect landing into the jam portion of the song. I, too, mark these E72, non-juggernaut Playin's as something special; they give you a taste of travel [more than just a taste really] but keep the storytelling rushing ahead full steam. No opportunity to get some momentum isn't seized upon. +Sorry for the grammar+ I love the juggernauts, too, but these mid-length versions wrap it up for carry-out just so.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 7, 1971
Boston Music Hall

Cautious and curious China Cat, then Lesh comes to life in the mix near the start of Rider. More of that! No better time for his bass - only now & then does it pop out. And when it does it sounds kick!
Brown Eyed Women
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

This one is, to me, the toppest of the top. The entire band is in another gear entirely and, during the solo, the song achieves vista cruiser status.
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