headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

13
Bird Song
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

An intimate very early Bird Song - Quartet-styled, which serves this song really well. Also: you can hear the thinking, especially between guitars.
3
Tennessee Jed
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Ho-Hum: Another outstanding 1972 TJ. This gem from the sorta overlooked summer tour. Garcia aces the break, natch. Band - unconscious. Whew! at end.
6
Candyman
June 21, 1976
Tower Theater

From Garcia's cheeky intro on, this graceful cabochon throws a faint, warm light. 1976 elegance w/a sick, raw spider web guitar break.
2
Wharf Rat
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

First show - I didn't know this gem very well & after this criss-crossy version, I was hooked. Dark & murky.
3
Loser
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series - An intimate, casual living room Loser. Garcia coming out of the guitar break is divine. Not the actor.
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Comments

Tennessee Jed
Sept. 9, 1972
Hollywood Palladium

Right you are, DS67. I know this one - a little surprised I didn't vote for it earlier. I'm always a fan of Garcia starting the guitar break on the low E or A string - so much character (it's like a mini-narrative in the middle of the song). This one is relaxed and slurry; there's almost a bit of '76 going on in his playing. Best of both worlds?
Candyman
Nov. 2, 1977
Field House - Seneca College

A lovely C-Man, although I'm not sure I agree that Garcia's guitar break is superior to 5/28 (or 6/7 for that matter).
Dancin' in the Streets
June 11, 1976
Boston Music Hall

An invigorating constitutional. At @ 4:30, Garcia's bubbly countenance takes over. The drums go Apocalypse Now & it just works.
Estimated Prophet
May 5, 1977
New Haven Coliseum

A sweet re-visit. One of those reminders of just how good Betty Cantor-Jackson was at her gig. Beautiful recording of Estimated beautifully played. I can't imagine what one would quibble with here. Sorry - I can't imagine with what one would quibble here. True, not as intense as later versions, but lovingly rendered. And Garcia's guitar coda was never more lush, expressive, and intense than May 1977. That's where this song distinguishes itself from later editions.
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

agreed jchiulli - this is pretty close to Half-Step perfection. This and May 4 leap to mind as peak performances.
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