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

Desolation Row
June 15, 1990
Shoreline Amphitheatre

There are other versions out there where Bob's vocals are more passionate and intense. He remains fairly mellow through the whole song. What raises this to a higher level Is Bruce Hornsby. He does some incredible piano work, where he brings the song to new peaks and heights, all the while remaining just a step in the background, not walking over anybody else.
All New Minglewood Blues
April 26, 1969
The Electric Theatre

Jerry's guitar work gives this version a Viola Lee Blues to it and it features Bob screaming instead of singing. Jerry even puts in some backup vocals early on. Worth a listen.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

Yes, there is a lower ranked version that has a better transitional jam. 11-14-1973, San Diego. Aside from Jerry's mind-blowing guitar work, Bob, Keith and Billy are all far more active in the San Diego version. The transitional jam is longer, too, coming in at over 5 minutes. Give it a listen.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
June 26, 1974
Providence Civic Center

This is a false claim of a Mind Left Body Jam. That jam is something as soon as I hear it, the hair on my arms, neck and head stand up. I've heard every MLBJ - repeatedly. This IS NOT a MLBJ. I don't know who made it "official", but it's total BS. This IS NOT a MLBJ!!!!!! The musical theme you hear can be found in several China transitional jams, the others not labeled as MLBJ. Without a doubt, this is in the top 5 most overrated versions ever, across every song..
Jack A Roe
Sept. 14, 1990
Madison Square Garden

For a song they don't play a lot, Jerry nailed the words. Vince was hot this night, once again laying the foundation for the song. One thing that drives me nuts about the audience recording - there's a guy that will not shut his mouth. You've got the rest of your life after this show to talk to someone - can you please shut up for a couple of hours? Thank you.
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