headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

2
Candyman
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Spare, almost vulnerable take on this classic. Godchaux brings the church and Garcia brings the stained glass. An American beauty.
5
Estimated Prophet
Jan. 30, 1978
Uptown Theater

You can hear the swagger in their mutterings before they play. And the performance bears that out. Sure, smooth, and effortless.
1
It Must Have Been The Roses
Aug. 4, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Center

Letter perfect - the Godchauxs take this to a loftier level. Beautiful dynamic push-and-pull by the whole group.
3
Tennessee Jed
May 25, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Planting the Flag of Civilization on this tight scorcher. New from factory - Inspector #9. Under penalty of law, this tag may not be YEAH GARCIA!
5
Candyman
Jan. 31, 1978
Uptown Theater

Dreamy, motionless rendition on a sea of individual human reactions [audience tape]. A wonderful time for this gem.
show more submissions

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.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)