headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

13
Big River
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

The intro is longer than most. Bouncy uptempo version. Excellent jamming.
1
Alabama Getaway
Sept. 12, 1982
Lakeland Civic Center

Always a good way to open the show.
1
Greatest Story Ever Told
Sept. 12, 1982
Lakeland Civic Center

I like the way they play this - it isn't direct and in your face. More exploratory than most.
1
Sugar Magnolia
Sept. 12, 1982
Lakeland Civic Center

Man, I love these '82 Sugar Mags. Tje energy, focus and execution. They are so damn lively - excellent fast tempo serves this song well.
4
Bertha
April 4, 1971
Manhattan Center

Show opener. Jerry soars with thunder from Phil.
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Comments

Bertha
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

Possibly the best version ever played. Jerry's solo starts off ripping fast, gets more melodic and ends on another fast run. Great vocals, too. Excellent.
Bertha
Aug. 6, 1971
Hollywood Palladium

The energy is there, the solo is really good, but best ever? I'd have to say 8-27-72 has a better solo and is overall better. But this is still probably top 5 material.
Attics of My Life
Sept. 20, 1970
Fillmore East

A strong vocal performance all around, well timed. Excellent version.
Attics of My Life
Oct. 9, 1989
Hampton Coliseum

The band is really together - they must have practiced this a lot. While it's emotionally powerful and a wonderful song to bring back, I strongly prefer the 1970 versions, where Jerry's vocals haven't broken down yet. This is, after all, a song that's all about the singing.
And We Bid You Goodnight
May 24, 1969
Seminole Indian Village

I don't understand why this isn't ranked higher. The band is together on the lyrics, sounding really good. Jerry nails the verses, singing them in alphabetical order. You can hear someone on the bongos. It starts with one person clapping and eventually the crowd joins in - actually in rhythm. Gotta love the announcer closing things out - "The Grateful Dead. Far out." If not the best version ever, this is easily top 5 material. Give it a listen.
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