headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

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.
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.

Comments

St. Stephen
Nov. 2, 1977
Field House - Seneca College

One of the really sweet after-Mickey-rejoined St. Stephens. Garcia primary reason(s). Complete Mastery. They were still putting up some classics at this point. Nice harmonies, too! Very regal. As it probably should be. Doesn't get too much better than this. Escape velocity.
Estimated Prophet
Nov. 2, 1977
Field House - Seneca College

Hooooooofffff - what a reminder! Garcia goes "How about something[?]" in the count-in; you know yr in for Smoothy Smoothstein! But you get more. Energy, crispness, crispiness, having "I'm glad I stuck with the guitar" fun. + And the Garcia Masterclass throughout the coda. A Haunted House Estimated. Top Pants!
Terrapin Station
June 4, 1977
The Forum

How is this so far down the list? It's better than 90+% of the versions with more votes. Yr really going to vote one from 1994 over this? As Wittgenstein said, "No fucking way!"
The Music Never Stopped
June 9, 1977
Winterland Arena

Snap, crackle, and, finally, pop.
Mexicali Blues
March 5, 1972
Winterland Arena

Kreutzmann takes it to the house! Beautiful, storytelling drumming! Underrated version where everyone is in fine fettle.