headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

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

Tennessee Jed
Oct. 9, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium

'76 Tennessee Jed. Elite shit.
Jack Straw
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

This version has its positives, but the drums are sloppy and that ruins any momentum (important in this song). Yep - D & Co. have plenty of other issues. I saw them once and hated it. Boring and I loathe John Mayer's putrid voice. Good guitar player, but not all THAT good. I don't begrudge them for doing it, but I find D & Co. annoying and vapid. Also, SLOOOOWWWWW. Yuck. + And credit to the New Yorker for the description "two old sneakers in a dryer" - although that characterization probably precedes the NYer article.
Playin' In The Band
March 28, 1972
Academy of Music

How did this one wind up the forgotten sister from these shows? This a flying beast! Garcia loses his mind at least three times.
Not Fade Away
Nov. 8, 1970
Capitol Theater

And toward the end of this furious NFA, a guitar orchestra ship descends softly and leads to some truly beautiful and unique way-outs. The toppest of drawers.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Nov. 8, 1970
Capitol Theater

Emerges from a devastating NFA, and soothes anyone concerned that we were always going to be in Abstractland. Tribal drum holdover from NFA adds a girthy edge. Then the group just settles in.