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.

Comments

Around and Around
Jan. 25, 1993
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

This quite possibly could be the worst version ever. It walks a fine line between being brilliant or horrible - depending on your preference. I think it's horrible. It's the Around that a cheezy lounge act at the Holiday Inn would play. If Chuck Berry were dead, he would be rolling over in his grave. That being said, everybody should listen to this.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
April 26, 1972
Jahrhunderthalle

This is a really great version. Rock & roll, man. If you hear something that sounds like someone's beating a wet cat, there's no need to call PETA - that's just Donna.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

This is just sick. Jerry starts bending notes, jumping from one boogie to the next, peak after peak. The phrase "Tore the house down!" or "Showstopper!" would apply. I would rank this as the best.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
April 26, 1972
Jahrhunderthalle

A nice version, yes, but a runaway leader for the best version ever? No. 9-21-72 hits some insane peaks and features some serious boogie.
One More Saturday Night
Dec. 2, 1971
Boston Music Hall

Keith is playing lead piano and Jerry is playing backup guitar.