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

Loser
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

parrott56: adds to the lovely darkness.
The Other One
March 22, 1973
Utica Memorial Auditorium

Fab revisit. Garcia's Strat is palpable. And, yeah Sally, this is a fabtastic Other One. Improv: top sleeeeve.
Bertha
Nov. 4, 1977
Cotterell Gym - Colgate University

Garcia is definitely in complete control with the guitar break. Zesty. Otherwise, this version is a little clumsy to me - part Hart flopping all over like a carp. Flip side there is this one has lots of energy. And when the band catches a wave, it rides it beautifully. Still, to me earlier '77 is a great breeding ground for some top flight Berthas. A little rot feels like it had started to settle in by the fall. Missed connections, forgotten words. But the soul is still there.
Playin' In The Band
June 29, 1976
Auditorium Theatre

Like many from this period, things develop slowly, but the long improv is always top sleeve. An underrated time for spaced out Dead. Group is in elite form.
The Other One
Oct. 31, 1970
School Gymnasium, S.U.N.Y.

I think one sounds pretty kick ass. Granted, a ton of kick (assuming its Kreutzmann b/c its pretty steady for all the wild shit they're doing). This shouldn't be tied in the standings with a version featuring Edie Brickell. I don't care what you think of her. Just wrong. By the way, Garcia crushes.
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