headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

1
Cumberland Blues
Dec. 13, 1969
Swing Auditorium

A cozy little delight - hand percussion, contemplation, great stereo drums, and some rip roaring riffage. Comes in under the radar, but worth a visit.
12
Sugaree
June 18, 1976
Capitol Theatre

As much as I love May 77 Sugarees, Spring 76 is where it's at for me. Subtlety, separation, and Garcia's whispery, silver-dipped guitar breaks.
6
Candyman
April 19, 1978
Veterans Memorial Auditorium

1978: Prime weather for Candyman. This performance, like many from then, highlights the bleak world of the narrator. Garcia's break: spidery.
4
Tennessee Jed
Oct. 29, 1971
Allen Theatre

Bubbly, bratty storyboard version. Character & twang for miles. I'd pay to see this band. Two for a tenner? Four please.
9
Terrapin Station
April 27, 1977
Capitol Theatre

This is a very sweet Terrapin. Everyone's fired up to play it. All you need to do is watch the vid to see the pure joy this brings Garcia. Memorable.
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Comments

Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

My favorite Dark Stars are generally from 1970, but almost everything from Fall '72 is so freakin' good it just seems difficult to single out one version over another. They were so on top of their game and so consistent. We all have our favorites from this era (I'm still working on mine), but it's subtle and subjective. Kind of splitting the atom to find the BEST.
Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

I think one can extol the virtues of this Dark Star without disparaging another (more popular) one. This version has its own kit - different than Veneta. Very deliberate and detailed. I dig when they're off to the races @14:00 and they keep building, as surefooted as if they had the blueprints. I guess I think 8/27's a little tighter, but I ain't pickin' one.
Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

I'm on it!
The Other One
Sept. 17, 1972
Baltimore Civic Center

OK - on my list: Topics For Further Research. One of my favorite songs in one of my favorite periods. How do I not know this one intimately?
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 27, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Fall 1972 is the peak time for C>R in my mind, so even an average version is still special. Weir taking liberties throughout China Cat is weird, highly original, and flavorful. He's simply slashing at times & it's pretty awesome. I dislike the Feelin' Groovy transition for the most part (a little cutesy), so no demerit from me.
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