headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

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.
show more submissions

Comments

St. Stephen
Dec. 29, 1968
Gulfstream Park Race Track

Crystalline and regal - 68 was the most baroque year and it always suited this song perfectly. Not better than the following year, but more than holds its own - it's a beautiful, polished little package of dizzying entertainment. Starting to realize enormous power. Don't look: some ball swinging here.
Dark Star
Feb. 14, 1970
Fillmore East

The night before is so etched in my brain I sometimes overlook this. Which is crazy! In any other sane time, this one would have a city block named after it. This Dark Star gives you everything. Why shop anywhere else? Well, lots of reasons. No disrespect.
Playin' In The Band
July 16, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

I will say it again: top shelf. 1976 Playins' are some of the spaciest, most diamond-eyed cruisers in the galaxy. Of course, Playin' > Stronger > Cosmic Charlie does tend to stack the deck a little bit. Not always fair.
Scarlet Begonias
Sept. 25, 1976
Capital Centre

For me, this one takes a little while to really come together - everyone - even though it's revved up from the start. The wide open improv jam is really subtle, dynamic, and what ultimately thrusts this version into the upper atmosphere. Some seriously telepathic work. In other words: a grower, this.
The Music Never Stopped
June 10, 1976
Boston Music Hall

Crackly, crunchy, and smooooove. Clean, tight Garcia simmers.
show more comments
headyversion loves the dead but is in no way affiliated with The Grateful Dead or affiliated enterprises. find out more >:) >:)