headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

3
Sugaree
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

Another example of how Sugaree thrived in 6/76: Garcia's sweet, mellow, bubbly silver thread guitar and group dynamics both jaunty & subtle. Primo.
4
Tennessee Jed
Nov. 23, 1973
County Coliseum

If possible, a very contemplative TJ. Everyone's in apex '73 form, esp. Godchaux who's mixed fairly high to good effect.
2
St. Stephen
Nov. 5, 1970
Capitol Theater

Of the heavenly 1970 Capitol Theater St. Stephens. Just a beautiful union between audience and group. Killer Stephen! CRUNCH!
4
Here Comes Sunshine
Sept. 26, 1973
War Memorial

Show opener - the perseverence is what really sells me on this one. A struggle, but a worthy one b/c the spoils are lush. Sneaky great.
9
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 18, 1972
Kongressaal, Deutsches Museum

Crazy overlooked: A noble, splendiferous C>R in full Europe 72-ness. Patient, exploratory, charming. Driving a distance? Pack this.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
March 25, 1972
Academy of Music

Beautiful combination of the tight pop song version pre-/early-Godchaux & the trans-lunar injection subsequent versions will reveal. The light is going off in a big way. What sounds like a horn @4.07? I know it's not a horn, but's kind of crazy what these guys could conjure.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 24, 1979
Golden Hall, Community Concourse

A sweet, energetic Estimated and then @ 3:30, Garcia kicks in the Mu and things kick into a whole different gear. The space out is somewhat monochrome - but intense and interesting.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 26, 1980
The Sportatorium

Big. This is why people return to 80-81 China-Riders. Plunging forward like a train, but never out-of-control. Garcia stakes his claim with 13+ lbs. of wood and wires.
Estimated Prophet
April 27, 1977
Capitol Theatre

Beautiful early Estimated. Starting to take serious live - it's easy to see how much fun they're having playing. Maybe Godchaux not so much. But a joyous Estimated. My opinion. Watch the joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oktHSQTUbGE
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 27, 1977
Capitol Theatre

Effortless and high NRG. You can probably stash every Spring 1977 S>F in the upper echelon - they all have something slightly different to offer. The group had learned to be equal parts tight/in the pocket and loose/mysterious. They were dealing from great strength at this time no matter what they played. I think the point is taken.