headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

7
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

Voice shot, Garcia hums through his spidery 13 lb. guitar. With a lovely China Cat peak @4:30.
11
Tennessee Jed
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

(a) Garcia with aluminum pipe, (b) Purdie Shuffle '77 Pace, (c) Perfect Dynamic Control
7
Sugaree
Dec. 8, 1973
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke U

As a queen sits down, knowing that a chair will be there,/ Or a general raises his hand and is given the field-glasses
3
Big River
Dec. 4, 1973
Cincinnati Gardens

Dictionary entry: 1973 Big River - effortless & downstream. Exhibit A.
10
Jack Straw
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

Relaxed and joyous space-age electric guitar semi-ballad.
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Comments

Estimated Prophet
Jan. 10, 1978
Shrine Auditorium

Underestimated Estimated.
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Best ever? No clue. 2/18/1971 has the advantage of a superior version of Kreutzmann/Hart and some '71 Lesh tones, but this one is so patient and elegant. And the outro is pretty furious. I might take 5/7/1977 or 5/22/1977 over both, but, look, we're splitting hairs. All restaurant quality.
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

High energy, swingin' version. The group sounds energized and Garcia's gradually building toward his '80s steez. Sweeeet stuff!
Jack Straw
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Weir's got the phase juice dimed at the beginning. And what's not to like about that? My favorite era of Garcia side-patter guitar. And the breaks are sweet, totally in control.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
April 29, 1977
The Palladium

Just about as sweet as can be coming outta Scarlet. Love the audience reaction when Garcia starts playing the melody. Garcia's riding the wave - smooth, daring, relaxed. Like no else, ladies & gentlemen.
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