headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

4
Tennessee Jed
Nov. 23, 1973
County Coliseum

If possible, a very contemplative TJ. Everyone's in apex '73 form, esp. Godchaux who's mixed fairly high to good effect.
2
St. Stephen
Nov. 5, 1970
Capitol Theater

Of the heavenly 1970 Capitol Theater St. Stephens. Just a beautiful union between audience and group. Killer Stephen! CRUNCH!
4
Here Comes Sunshine
Sept. 26, 1973
War Memorial

Show opener - the perseverence is what really sells me on this one. A struggle, but a worthy one b/c the spoils are lush. Sneaky great.
9
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 18, 1972
Kongressaal, Deutsches Museum

Crazy overlooked: A noble, splendiferous C>R in full Europe 72-ness. Patient, exploratory, charming. Driving a distance? Pack this.
12
Bird Song
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

An intimate very early Bird Song - Quartet-styled, which serves this song really well. Also: you can hear the thinking, especially between guitars.
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Comments

Estimated Prophet
Jan. 10, 1978
Shrine Auditorium

Underestimated Estimated.
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Best ever? No clue. 2/18/1971 has the advantage of a superior version of Kreutzmann/Hart and some '71 Lesh tones, but this one is so patient and elegant. And the outro is pretty furious. I might take 5/7/1977 or 5/22/1977 over both, but, look, we're splitting hairs. All restaurant quality.
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

High energy, swingin' version. The group sounds energized and Garcia's gradually building toward his '80s steez. Sweeeet stuff!
Jack Straw
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Weir's got the phase juice dimed at the beginning. And what's not to like about that? My favorite era of Garcia side-patter guitar. And the breaks are sweet, totally in control.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
April 29, 1977
The Palladium

Just about as sweet as can be coming outta Scarlet. Love the audience reaction when Garcia starts playing the melody. Garcia's riding the wave - smooth, daring, relaxed. Like no else, ladies & gentlemen.
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