headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

2
Candyman
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Spare, almost vulnerable take on this classic. Godchaux brings the church and Garcia brings the stained glass. An American beauty.
5
Estimated Prophet
Jan. 30, 1978
Uptown Theater

You can hear the swagger in their mutterings before they play. And the performance bears that out. Sure, smooth, and effortless.
1
It Must Have Been The Roses
Aug. 4, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Center

Letter perfect - the Godchauxs take this to a loftier level. Beautiful dynamic push-and-pull by the whole group.
3
Tennessee Jed
May 25, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Planting the Flag of Civilization on this tight scorcher. New from factory - Inspector #9. Under penalty of law, this tag may not be YEAH GARCIA!
5
Candyman
Jan. 31, 1978
Uptown Theater

Dreamy, motionless rendition on a sea of individual human reactions [audience tape]. A wonderful time for this gem.
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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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