headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

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.
2
Candyman
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Spare, almost vulnerable take on this classic. Godchaux brings the church and Garcia brings the stained glass. An American beauty.
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Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 24, 1978
Horton Field House - Illinois State University

Love this version - its got lots of highlights, but is the suggestion that the Scarlet>Fire is better in April 78 than May 77 just more anti-May 77 weird backlash? The entire band is tighter, more focused, less flubby, and just plain sounds better in May 77. Here, the drums are already, at times, taking a turn for sneakerville. The cohesion and engine-room propulsion of the May 77 rhythm section has disintegrated noticeably by this point already. And of course Weir's slide guitar (although this is one of the better fits I can remember hearing). Once Garcia gets up to speed @8.35 of Scarlet, he's pretty stunning.
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Crispy and celestial. Garcia takes it to the house at the end. No question.
Wharf Rat
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

At this stage, they're so refined they don't really have to think. Auto-pilot in the best way. No thinking just let it happen. This was one of those periods for the group. One of Garcia's best Whart Rat vocals. The sleeve don't get much more topper than this.
Big River
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Garcia comes out snappy! I picture Callan saying this: Don't usually prefer the 2-drummer version of this song, but 7 minutes well spent.
High Time
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Beautiful version. Like Candyman, I could have used more versions of this flower in the May77 Delivery System.
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