headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

3
Tennessee Jed
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Ho-Hum: Another outstanding 1972 TJ. This gem from the sorta overlooked summer tour. Garcia aces the break, natch. Band - unconscious. Whew! at end.
6
Candyman
June 21, 1976
Tower Theater

From Garcia's cheeky intro on, this graceful cabochon throws a faint, warm light. 1976 elegance w/a sick, raw spider web guitar break.
2
Wharf Rat
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

First show - I didn't know this gem very well & after this criss-crossy version, I was hooked. Dark & murky.
3
Loser
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series - An intimate, casual living room Loser. Garcia coming out of the guitar break is divine. Not the actor.
4
Ship of Fools
Oct. 18, 1978
Winterland Arena

An especially sharp and spirited specimen - expressive vocals, the rhythm section is precise, and Garcia's guitar break is masterful. A still life.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Kruetzmann is all over the place, but never stops swinging. That's what makes these '72 Playins so bubbly and alive. Ace stuff.
Sugaree
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Sometimes I think May '77 Sugarees are a little over-praised (I prefer June '76), but this one is just a lovely slice of perfection (like so much of this show). And then I remember: May '77 is home of some of the very best versions of the songs they played on that tour. That only makes 87% sense to me.
The Music Never Stopped
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Holy shit! This is a colossus. Perfect and nuanced and ace dynamics. Smoooch!
The Other One
April 21, 1969
The Ark

It's difficult for me to understand how this iteration doesn't have a boatload of votes. It's transcendent.
Playin' In The Band
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

I can hear thought bubbles galore with this one. A favorite in a favorite show. The amazing dynamic shading from May 1977 perfectly applied. No one overplays or gets sloppy - just inspired improvisation of the highest order.