headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


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

He's Gone
Sept. 3, 1972
Folsom Field, University of Colorado

He's Gone in peak condition, Best In Class. The guitar break is just nasty! Jells and never stops jelling. A classic.
Estimated Prophet
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

The effort to bring down May 1977 is just bizarre to me. Especially this song. And Bruce added depth to no song. True, though, Bobby went over the top in subsequent years. And it's fun! But what a silly comparison.
Dancin' in the Streets
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

Full throat! The group is liquid. Different from Cornell. Not better/worse, but deserving of its own piece of American History. Cleaner than Cornell. Not the personality of the Cornell jam/breakdown. Just different.
Weather Report Suite
June 23, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

They squeeze every last drop out of this WR. Lesh is out of his mind. He bounces the entire group on his shoulders during the first half. Kreutzmann swaggers underneath the Let It Grow and secretly moves it forward. Fucking smooth.
Terrapin Station
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

Agreed, but it gets deserved votes for being the first and a spirited go at a pretty challenging piece of music. It isn't like anything else they did, so there's a thrill in listening to them take the plunge. That said, Spring of 77 had numerous better versions. Doesn't mean it doesn't deserve an up vote - just that others do as well.
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