headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

1
Hard to Handle
July 1, 1970
Winnipeg Fairgrounds

The only recording available, it starts in the middle of the instrumental break.
5
Big River
Nov. 24, 1978
Capitol Theatre

Cool uptempo version with solid vocals.
15
Johnny B. Goode
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

Hot one on Dick's Picks 5.
3
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 5, 1984
Charlotte Coliseum

A very strange opening - it sounds like Jerry doesn't want to play it.
1
Death Don't Have No Mercy
Sept. 2, 1968
Betty Nelson's Organic Raspberry Farm

Only part of the intro survives, but what's there sounds good.
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Comments

Me and My Uncle
Sept. 22, 1991
Boston Garden

While the song is elevated by a very interested Bruce and Phil, everybody steps up and does a really good job. Check out the nice fiddle work that fits in perfectly.
Me and My Uncle
May 10, 1969
Rose Palace

Ah, yes. Back in the day before this song was nothing but set filler. Can't you just see somebody back in 91 saying "Man, I sure hope they do Me & My Uncle tonight.". This is worth a listen.
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Sept. 20, 1990
Madison Square Garden

This, without a doubt, is the worst song placement in the history of the Grateful Dead. The first set totally cooked. The second set opened with a smokin' Truckin, China>Rider. Not just any versions, but totally rippin' and a rockin' versions. Then comes this. It's like you just had blissful sex then somebody dumped a bucket of ice cold water over your head. That's how much this version sucks.
Ramble On Rose
Sept. 20, 1990
Madison Square Garden

This is one of those songs that has earned its reputation as being nothing more than set filler. This version, however, totally cooks. Jerry's vocals are really good. Bruce takes over, playing lead piano, but Jerry takes back over with a MIDI solo that brings the house down. The ending vocals are spot on, making this - in my opinion - a top 5 version.
Bertha
April 26, 1972
Jahrhunderthalle

This version totally rips. The only thing keeping this from being the second or third best version is that Keith is too low in the mix, which is a total shame, because he is tearing it up and deserves to be heard loud and clear.
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