headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

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.
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.

Comments

The Other One
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

A rare chance to hear the 2-humbucker Bean (Bean #1) on this song - and it's as killer as you might imagine.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

This S>F doesn't immediately stun like 5/8/77, but it builds almost constantly. Exciting Garcia guitar break in Scarlet. Peaceful probing transition. Not the seamless glide that 5/8 has, but a lovely transition nonetheless. Things get really interesting in the Fire - Garcia's obviously relishing the envelope filter. And why on earth wouldn't he? I still think 5/8 is clearly better, but this is a gem from an insane show.
The Music Never Stopped
Feb. 3, 1978
Dane County Coliseum

Weir is supercharged! A memorable Music. Hadn't listened to this for a while and it just kicks ass so hard.
The Other One
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

Weir, Lesh, and Garcia slug it out for a few while Godchaux and Kretuzmann focus on the pace. When the storms settle, Godchaux goes very ECM (or Glenn Gould) which provides a sophistication in sound that you wouldn't expect to be happening in this context. Very advanced Other One.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Love how the Dark Star sojourn sets the pace and tone of the C>R. The two Palace Theatre shows are premium shit, so it shouldn't be shocking that one of better C>Rs ever happened in this room. You know it's gonna swing b/c Garcia plays the lick with a hiccup or two. Fine China.