headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

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

Mexicali Blues
March 9, 1993
Rosemont Horizon

These more recent versions of Mexicali are by far more mature and developed than the older ones. The instrumental breaks are much longer and it's not just about Jerry taking a short jam anymore. I dig these newer ones.
Mexicali Blues
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

Another bad mix on the soundboard. Bob's guitar is too loud and Keith is almost inaudible.
Mexicali Blues
Oct. 1, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Bob's guitar is loud in the mix and it gets really annoying. You can barely hear Keith - he shows up for a few seconds and disappears.
Mexicali Blues
Oct. 28, 1977
Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Hall

Things just sound out of synch for most of the tune. Jerry plays a few really sour notes. The timing of the harmonies are off in places.
Mexicali Blues
Sept. 14, 1974
Olympiahalle

Tight version with some crisp guitar work, nice piano by Keith and solid vocals. One of the best from the 73-74 era.