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

Dark Star
Oct. 13, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

In its own way, this version wins my devotion just as much as the (justly) fabled night before. The interplay is telepathic and contentious. It's its own little company town with it's own microclimate. Liquid is right.
The Other One
April 28, 1971
Fillmore East

I still love this one - a total peach.
Dark Star
April 29, 1972
Musikhalle

If you can be under-appreciated with 26 votes, this is. This Dark Star sounds like the easiest thing anyone could do. They almost immediately surrender to the tide.
China Cat Sunflower
March 16, 1968
Carousel Ballroom

Comes seething out of Dark Star - a multitasking masterpiece. The drums carry a lot of this great version, but everyone is smoking it.
Dark Star
March 16, 1968
Carousel Ballroom

Taken at a snappy pace, this one calls on Garcia to Fred Astaire it on the Les Paul and he's in killer form. He echoes off the organ and percussion - or a frog, jumping lily pad to lily pad. A stone classic.
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