headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

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Submissions

4
The Other One
Feb. 28, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Oversight Alert! Conversational then a violent row ensues. A total taste treat. 1970.
7
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

Voice shot, Garcia hums through his spidery 13 lb. guitar. With a lovely China Cat peak @4:30.
13
Tennessee Jed
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

(a) Garcia with aluminum pipe, (b) Purdie Shuffle '77 Pace, (c) Perfect Dynamic Control
7
Sugaree
Dec. 8, 1973
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke U

As a queen sits down, knowing that a chair will be there,/ Or a general raises his hand and is given the field-glasses
3
Big River
Dec. 4, 1973
Cincinnati Gardens

Dictionary entry: 1973 Big River - effortless & downstream. Exhibit A.
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Comments

Me and My Uncle
April 7, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They're in such peachy form here - psyched beyond belief for an honest-to-goodness European tour and playing out of their fucking minds. Love this show b/c of how excited and authoritative they are.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 9, 1981
Activity Center - University of Colorado

Jeez Louise! This Formula One C>R is unstoppable! Reminds me that I really dig 1981 versions of this tandem - most of them come with serious exuberance and vim, but this one has just a wee bit more. And Garcia just tears in during the transition - bending notes, trilling, and flying through scales like a man possessed. Not sure what Weir's doing in Rider, but it works; obviously he's having fun.
Sugaree
May 9, 1979
Broome County Arena

May not be the cream of the crop, but this one combines super great energy with a loping, smooth chill mood. Much of the former thanks to the boisterous audience tapes in circulation. The latter: one can only guess. What makes the instant version special is the collaboration between group/audience - drives this one to some really clear open spaces. Garcia, by the way, is quite buoyant and melodic. The GD is ON from this welcoming epic opener through the entire show - cool ass show. One of my faves from '79.
Terrapin Station
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

This Terrapin has everything you'd possibly want from a Terrapin - it does every little thing exceedingly well. Brash, confident, smooth. Great lift. Tough for me to decide between this one, 5/19, and 5/26. And maybe a couple of others, but I have referred - in mixed company, no less - to this one as the creme de la creme de la tutti capo creme. If it isn't, it certainly shares the crown. Gorgeous.
Jack Straw
Jan. 11, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

One of my favorite songs. I don't see how this one is (by far) the top Jack Straw. It's fine, but the drums are clunky (two old sneakers in a dryer), the vocals are so-so, and the aggression doesn't really work for this song - or at least it doesn't sound earned. I appreciate Garcia's energy, but this is one of those situations where the fanning just bulldozes everything (and doesn't really add much). Compare this to the Spring 1977 versions and it's two completely different bands. Some early 80s versions are more interesting than this one, too.
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