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

Mexicali Blues
Oct. 18, 1972
Fox Theater

Weir's chunky guitar is just perfection. To call it "rhythm guitar" seems like damning it with faint praise, although that's the perfect term for it. Weaves, bobs, and dodges with the best of 'em. Weir + ES-345 = asstastic!
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
July 31, 1982
Manor Downs

I was enjoying this one - nothing that really stood out, until Garcia's break in Scarlet, which, from the very start, is blue ribbon improv and swing - with all the early '80s connective tissue. At that point, this becomes a really deep Scarlet>Fire, but Garcia, who's got it going on, gets it on its feet.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 14, 1982
Glenns Falls Civic Center

Yes, darkstar67, I slightly prefer the audience tape as well.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 14, 1982
Glenns Falls Civic Center

Always had a soft spot in my heart for this one. Garcia's in excellent voice and the China Cat has that early 80s chugging train gait. Garcia's in his spun gold spider web phase and this C>R is a patient, lovely example. Not in love with Weir's sound by this point, but he offers some cool shit. And just when you think Mydland might be a bit too forward and plinky, it all kind of comes together and rolls. Band has the dynamics and spatial relationships down on this take.
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 3, 1977
Raceway Park

darkstar67 - I read that one from a New Yorker a couple of years ago and I was like BINGO! I'm generally a one drummer fan, but the first Kreutzmann-Hart iteration was super complex and trippy and I dig it an awful lot. The second iteration I really like until approximately late-77 where things get flubby and sloppy. I read something that it bothered Garcia a lot. Even at their best, Hart has a tough time keeping time - he's a percussionist, a colorist, not really a drummer. More often than not he messes Kruetzmann, who is a brilliant drummer, up completely.
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