headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

13
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.
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.
show more submissions

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.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)