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

Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 19, 1974
Portland Memorial Coliseum

Underrated!!! This one seriously cooks. After Jerry's solo work, Keith steps up and gets his own solo time. Seriously - think how rare it is that Keith gets his own showcase in this song. After that, Jerry & Keith go at it. This is a must hear. Rockin', smokin', totally rocks!!!
Dear Prudence
March 13, 1982
Reno Centennial Coliseum

It's pretty sad that Jerry has been dead for more than 20 years and people still can't properly label a set list.
Around and Around
Nov. 22, 1972
Austin Municipal Auditorium

This is as staged as the Dead get in 1972. They definately did a huddle up on this one. It starts out with Phil playing lead. About 1 minute in, Jerry kicks in. Then, about 1:30 Keith starts pounding away. Then they all come and jam together. It's different than most versions and if you haven't heard it, it's worth 4 minutes of your life to check it out. Only 2 bumps up so far? That's a shame.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Nov. 25, 1973
Feyline Field

Very strange version. When Jerry hits his climax, it sounds unlike any other version. You might like it or hate it. On a bigger level, I have always thought this was an underrated show from '73. I've been listening to it off and on since 1991. It still surprises me - in good and bad ways. If you haven't heard the whole show, I highly recommend it.
Bird Song
Nov. 22, 1972
Austin Municipal Auditorium

It has its faults. Bob's harmonies early on. Phil can't sing - stop trying. Bob off the mark on re-entry. But the biggest letdown is the jam that makes or breaks a Bird Song. I'm looking for something intense, that explodes and crackles with energy. That doesn't happen here. It's really good, but not great.
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