headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

2
Not Fade Away
March 5, 1972
Winterland Arena

Man, that sure is a lot of screaming!
1
One More Saturday Night
March 5, 1972
Winterland Arena

Blistering encore. One of the fastest and hottest I've ever heard. I think I just wet my pants!!!
5
Tennessee Jed
Dec. 10, 1971
Fox Theatre

These early versions, Jerry has some problems remembering when to sing the right lyrics.
5
Next Time You See Me
Dec. 10, 1971
Fox Theatre

A good example of how the shorter Pigpen tunes can still be really good.
8
Jack Straw
Dec. 10, 1971
Fox Theatre

This one will grab your attention and get your head bobbing.

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.