headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

1
Johnny B. Goode
Aug. 6, 1982
St. Paul Civic Center

Not my favorite way for Jerry to play it, but it still rocks.
2
Alabama Getaway
May 28, 1982
Moscone Convention Center

Jerry is all over the map with the lyrics.
1
Bird Song
Sept. 29, 1980
Warfield Theater

Nice acoustic version.
1
On The Road Again
Sept. 29, 1980
Warfield Theater

It would be better if they played it a little faster.
3
I Fought The Law
April 5, 1993
Nassau Coliseum

Probably the most hated song they played - even moreso than Day Job.

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.