headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

4
Brown Eyed Women
Aug. 21, 1972
Berkeley Community Theater

Smooth with wicked edges in all the right places!
1
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
July 25, 1972
Paramount Theater

Overlooked, patient little gemerald.
4
Jack Straw
March 31, 1973
War Memorial

Bright, snappy, and full of mello P&V.
2
Loser
March 24, 1971
Winterland Arena

From the opening little parlay, hooked.
3
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
April 29, 1971
Fillmore East

This one is the sound of a band that knows it can do pretty much anything. Smooth and fiery.
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Comments

Estimated Prophet
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

5/19/77 was one of the first decent sounding tapes I heard that was pre-80s (this is in the 80s) and this Estimated, especially the spaced out, sticky coda w/Garcia in full MuTron attack mode (tm), is one of the songs/performances that got me into the Dead. I also happen to think that this version is one of the all-time greats - smooth, silky, and dank.
Estimated Prophet
June 4, 1977
The Forum

Really nothing like Garcia's envelope filter somersaulting through the crowd, springing off the walls, & hi-fiving the scoreboard on a very nice Spring 1977 audience.
The Other One
Nov. 16, 1970
Fillmore East

I can't see why this one isn't more celebrated. Just the opening with Weir playing it mysterious, Pig lurking in the strata on harp, then Garcia cannonballing with that chewable SG-Twin narrative. And, it loses no steam once we're away from shore. And, btw, it's a beautiful stereo electric guitar fest. Each guitarist sounds completely individual - delicious. Yet, y'know, teamwork. Again, Pig is the moodshifter, lovegrifter, don't you mess around with me. Everybody!
Uncle John's Band
June 5, 1970
Fillmore West

I love that is an electric version that has the cozy subtle dynamics of an acoustic version. Kinda best of both worlds. At about 3:00 the ride hits double time, which is the song's first blossoming. Eventually, they dig into the coda and all ends quite well thank you.
The Other One
March 28, 1969
Student Center

Garcia's spitting out sparks like a novelty, wind-up nun. Lots of swampy phrases abound. This one's mostly balls out straight forward into the darkness. And then there will be near-silence. And then back up to speed in seconds. Well played, boyz.
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