headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

8
Mexicali Blues
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

'73 Mexicali? Smokesville, USA.
11
Loser
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

Heavens! It took a Dave's Picks to get this on the board! Soft, seductive, dark, and pretty much perfectly realized. Guitar break: shit yeah.
3
Estimated Prophet
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

Bold, sharp, confident version with plenty of 1977 squoosh. This version has that great '77 restraint with Garcia speaking in MuTron tongues.
6
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 29, 1973
Kiel Auditorium

Attention. To. Detail. - ESP Weir. Not the world's greatest recording, but the band is bubbly & effortless.
3
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

Listened to this on a big PA outside over the summer and it's so alive, athletic, and filled with beautiful instrumental cross-talk. Improv!

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.