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.

Comments

Brown Eyed Women
April 24, 1978
Horton Field House - Illinois State University

Agreed. I don't understand what they were going for, if anything. Just a bloody mess.
The Other One
July 2, 1971
Fillmore West

@ 1:22: Pig's organ comes in and I thought a refrigeration compressor in our upstairs GE was going on the fritz. What a cool sound. Metallic. Such a spacious version of The Grateful Dead. Or the Grateful Dead (I can never get that right).
He's Gone
June 7, 1977
Winterland Arena

How do I keep forgetting this magical version? Demonstrates the dynamic control and sense of narrative this version of the group had. Garcia, in some ways, at the height of his powers. No one else on earth plays that beautiful guitar break.
Candyman
June 7, 1977
Winterland Arena

I can't think of a better Candyman. Even without the memorable *probably* - some very high level Garcia vocals. He's acting. Such a treat! Don't even get me started on the epic guitar break. Jeeeeezus.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 9, 1973
Winterland Arena

Godchaux and Weir frame the lush action. Splendido!