headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

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.
6
Tennessee Jed
Oct. 1, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Energetic, serene AND Garcia's break is pure ragtime gold. In a good TJ, the guitar is a character. Here: a little insolent. Quality.
2
The Wheel
June 28, 1976
Auditorium Theatre

That spacious, unadorned June 1976 sound is so perfect for The Wheel. This one's dynamic and delivered with feeling. Cool show.
2
Cumberland Blues
March 20, 1971
University of Iowa

Oh man: LISTEN! Vocals are mixed a bit high, but this Cumberland has all the important "little" details. Notes the quotes. B'AM!!!!
1
Tennessee Jed
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

1976: Your standard issue tipsy, warm-hearted TJ of the period. The guitar break is more conversation than guitar solo. Standard but special.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Nov. 19, 1972
Hofheinz Pavilion

Nice reviz! This one's a real bubbler. Great drive! Classic.
Bertha
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Smooth and jaunty from the bounce. I think it's clear from the first verse that every moment of this song is going to have something $$$$ about it. Of course, it comes as no surprise that Garcia's guitar break is aqua velva liquid love. Patient, assertive, and cooing. Weir earns a big gold star, too. Yes, an elite Bertha. As stealmyface says has everything you want.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

Weir and Lesh mixed up pretty high and HUZZAH to that! Not at anyone's expense, see. Sounds fucking great! The Scarlet: an intense, self-propelled rocketship a la May, same year. Garcia really just rides the wave. Takes what the defense gives him. + Full-bodied, swinging, and dynamic. A patient group. And someone mentioned this: just the right touch of Donna Jean. An asset. This is a top version. + Fire: Garcia full goo on the envelope. A worthy personal mission, grendel.
Estimated Prophet
Feb. 3, 1978
Dane County Coliseum

I actually like the concision of the 1977 guitar breaks - sets the listener up for the dope extended outro. Not to be taken as a complaint about this iteration.
The Other One
March 19, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Sounds killer to me! No heavy perfumes, no CGI, just miraculous interweaving shit. A very underrated Other One. In my book.