headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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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.
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Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 26, 1973
Kezar Stadium

Yeah - guitar masterclass.
He's Gone
Sept. 3, 1977
Raceway Park

This is one of the best He's Gones w/out doubt - played with a lift in the group's collective step. Drummers stay low - restrained. The fun being had is evident. Most of my favorite He's Gones are of the 1972-73 vintage, but this one stands right up to those. Or very close. Dozens of highlights, unusual but highly successful choices, dynamic shifts in this one. + The bridge is just full thrust! And totally earned. + and the play-out is very very nice. & yeah - probably the best post-73 version - agreed.
The Other One
July 4, 1969
Electric Theater

Searing version rips & roars. Garcia & TC go mano y mano. Undervoted great Other One!
Here Comes Sunshine
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

Rough around the edges - bested by a number of '73 Sunshines, but Garcia makes this one a worthy visit.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 27, 1977
Capitol Theatre

Sat down to listen to the 10/14/83 S>F, which has many fans, and 4 minutes in, I gave up and clicked this luxury yacht. Instead of the Jimmy Buffett stylings of the usually pretty reliable Brent Mydland, you get a band inwoven into each other. No 2-sneaks-in-the-dry here - here: coordinated, textured, tight. + Envelope Filter sounds so sick in Fire. This is the fullest realization of the EF/auto-wah (term I dislike - the latter) pedal so far in guitar history. I think.
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