headyversion

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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

Dark Star
Jan. 2, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

+1 re darkstar 67 comments. Dead on. Not much one needs to say, except of course I can't help myself. The first grab (usually Garcia) is Lesh coming at us hard with that dark chocolately Guildness. + This one, as noted, never gets complacent or self-satisfied or really even takes a breath! Some Art Ensemble of Chicago moments. Hoooofa. + Lesh sounding close to an electric bass guitar/stand up bass hybrid sound, which is sonic nirvana. + Gets Krautrock at times. This is basically 5 or 6 Dark Stars in one.
Uncle John's Band
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

Really nice Uncle John's Band. Best for me is still exactly 2 months later, but this is a smooooth one. Godchaux = big reason.
Dark Star
Jan. 25, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

Sparkling! And TC sounds he's playing synthesizer at times. This version very much has its own sound. And it's killer.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 9, 1973
Winterland Arena

Cruncho Marx! Weir's transition is particularly fierce. He Gibsons the shit out of it. By the heat of the kick-out, Garcia's spitting fire & Kreutzmann's hugging the ride bell. Beautiful.
Estimated Prophet
Jan. 10, 1978
Shrine Auditorium

Bright & snappy out of the gate. Lesh slurs that bassline during the verses to rich effect. Garcia attacks the outro! And Godchaux pushes matter pretty hard as well.
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