headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

3
Sugaree
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

Another example of how Sugaree thrived in 6/76: Garcia's sweet, mellow, bubbly silver thread guitar and group dynamics both jaunty & subtle. Primo.
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.
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Comments

Brown Eyed Women
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

Just went back to listen to 11/4/77. A fabulous BEW, but it doesn't touch this one. The band is smoother here - 11/4 is comparatively pokey. And Garcia's solo on 5/8/1977 is funny, exciting, and scorching. Really one of a kind.
The Other One
March 28, 1972
Academy of Music

Re-visit: Peak form. This song morphed as the group morphed. Such a good reflection, this song.
Jack A Roe
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Top level Weir. I've always dug this arrangement. It so well reflects how smooth and lithe the group had become. This version, like so many from this time, is a joy.
Estimated Prophet
July 8, 1978
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Not sure how I avoided/missed this lovely specimen. Weir just caresses the lyrics. I don't think this is better than May 77, which (although shorter) is the peak for me. Garcia's outros just plain sound like what being high is like. Warps in stable space. That said, this great version goes about the sublime in a very different way. Definitely more aggressive - which is cool, but not so cool for the drum duo. Hart just doesn't understand the 1. Even the chill parts are barely restrained. Creates a unique dynamic.
Playin' In The Band
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

A stately check-in. Just killer stuff all the way through. A sprightly part of a nutrient-rich breakfast.
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