headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


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

Sugaree
June 18, 1976
Capitol Theatre

I should add, my possible all-time favorite is June 15, 1976, which encapsulates just about everything beautiful about the Spring '76 iteration. https://archive.org/details/gd76-06-15.sbd.kempa.241.sbeok.shnf
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Just got back from the gym and listened to this classic on the elliptical. Perfect! This C>R chugs like the best of the 80-81s and Garcia, as others have mentioned, is out front and at his 80s space-bluegrass best. Notes within scales within chords. Nobody approaches a break like this guy. Not even close. A great sounding recording just highlights the majesty of Garcia's playing - you can hear it echoing off the concession stand and bouncing off the scoreboard.
Althea
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Just soaking in the audience ambiance - perfect for an '81 Althea. Probably one of Garcia's last great songs and, of course, he simply tears it up here. Shimmering gold leaf guitar accents. Just in time for the holidays!
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 3, 1972
Folsom Field, University of Colorado

Don't sleep on this one! Of course, it's a 1972 China>Rider, but it doesn't really distinguish itself from the other greats until Garcia's second guitar break, which is a taste treat - then the third break is JUST insane. He digs deep and does something . . . I dunno, completely new? Then the breakdown/transition is super patient and simmering. All the while, the whole crew has its collective hat set at a jaunty angle. You would too. Admit it.
Bird Song
Nov. 12, 1972
Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Hall

As noted, if you love stringed instruments, this one has Garcia, Weir, and Lesh in absolute peak collectors condition. Highlights their great interplay & illustrates the impact these three have on the overall group dynamic. Strange recording, but a whole mess o' fun.
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