headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

10
Jack Straw
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

Relaxed and joyous space-age electric guitar semi-ballad.
9
Bertha
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

Warp speed, precise, slightly unhinged, and driving into the greenish-blue evening.
1
Jack Straw
Oct. 30, 1971
Taft Auditorium

Godchaux leads a version that seethes with the excitement of a new song.
3
Brown Eyed Women
May 20, 1973
U.C.

A giggly, slangy Garcia masterpiece (in sweet show sauce). Goes down EZ.
8
Mexicali Blues
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

So good you can practically see the border town.
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Comments

Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

How did I not vote for this one until now? Pure oversight. This is undoubtedly one the peaks for this funky high-rise stereo system full bar red/orange carpeted suite. They are completely comfortable in their own collective skin - and Garcia's playing it all at his own pace. Whatever he wants at that moment - dial it the fuck up! He won't be rushed or slowed. Force of nature. Immortal in a way. Oh - that was a long haiku.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 25, 1973
Feyline Field

The fall '73 and '74 C>Rs feature a laid back Garcia - feeling free to make the guitar breaks whatever he feels like sculpting that day. He eases into the breaks, throws some pedal steel stylings in and hits C*R*U*I*S*E. Godchaux up a little higher mix gives this version some pretty serious heft (as if it didn't already have a helmet's full). Garcia super digs in during the transition - Follow me boys! It even makes the Feelin' Groovy jam enjoyable (not a favorite move over here). Over here! Check this highly interesting C>R out. It will win you over.
Shakedown Street
Oct. 25, 1979
New Haven Coliseum

I do, however, think Shakedown, Passenger is a statement-of-purpose way to start a set - I dig it.
Shakedown Street
Oct. 25, 1979
New Haven Coliseum

A nice, funky Shakedown, but better than 6/30/85? Not for me. Not at all. The funk in this is somewhat brittle and stiff compared to the Merriweather jam. That version was more psychedelic and had insouciance and groove - this one is choppier and less decisive. Merriweather had various convergences of interlocking players swooping in and out of the frame. This version doesn't have that or the thunder of Merriweather to me. And I don't necessarily think more Mydland is a fabulous thing.
The Other One
April 11, 1972
Newcastle City Hall

Flying Other One from the bass drop! Garcia and Lesh are twisting and turning in the first couple of minutes - almost sounding Elizabethan at times. Pigpen plays a large atmospheric, swirly role - he's a consistent voice. & the organ/piano contrast is at its most textural here. Beautiful second act @5 minutes and then Garcia almost sounds like he's playing bass during a Lesh excursion. Many great Other Ones on the E72 tour, but this one has some extra special alchemy. Fiery and smooth - digging deep and sounding effortless. Pfffff . . . Garcia.
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