headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

1
I Need A Miracle
April 9, 1988
Centrum

The Worcester crowd is really into it. Another hot version. Aren't they almost always hot?
5
Big Boss Man
April 9, 1988
Centrum

Jerry singing Big Boss Man to open the show - and nobody has mentioned this yet?
7
Sugar Magnolia
April 25, 1983
The Spectrum

This era is overlooked and underappreciated. This - like most around this time - cooks.
2
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
June 14, 1980
Spokane Coliseum

Love the restraint Jerry plays with during the second instrumental break. Very measured and disciplined.
1
Good Lovin'
Oct. 12, 1981
Olympia Halle

Bob's rap starts off with an indirect mention of Pigpen.

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.