headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


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.
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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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