headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

5
Casey Jones
Dec. 26, 1969
McFarlin Auditorium, SMU

The music sounds like something you'd hear being played at a carnival.
4
Monkey and the Engineer
Dec. 19, 1969
Fillmore Auditorium

First time played.
2
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 11, 1980
Warfield Theater

It starts off slow, then the booogie kicks in and this one sprouts its wings and soars.
4
China Doll
Oct. 11, 1980
Warfield Theater

Hauntingly beautiful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Oct. 11, 1980
Warfield Theater

Oh, God - Bob's line before they start the tune is priceless.

Comments

Me and My Uncle
Sept. 22, 1991
Boston Garden

While the song is elevated by a very interested Bruce and Phil, everybody steps up and does a really good job. Check out the nice fiddle work that fits in perfectly.
Me and My Uncle
May 10, 1969
Rose Palace

Ah, yes. Back in the day before this song was nothing but set filler. Can't you just see somebody back in 91 saying "Man, I sure hope they do Me & My Uncle tonight.". This is worth a listen.
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Sept. 20, 1990
Madison Square Garden

This, without a doubt, is the worst song placement in the history of the Grateful Dead. The first set totally cooked. The second set opened with a smokin' Truckin, China>Rider. Not just any versions, but totally rippin' and a rockin' versions. Then comes this. It's like you just had blissful sex then somebody dumped a bucket of ice cold water over your head. That's how much this version sucks.
Ramble On Rose
Sept. 20, 1990
Madison Square Garden

This is one of those songs that has earned its reputation as being nothing more than set filler. This version, however, totally cooks. Jerry's vocals are really good. Bruce takes over, playing lead piano, but Jerry takes back over with a MIDI solo that brings the house down. The ending vocals are spot on, making this - in my opinion - a top 5 version.
Bertha
April 26, 1972
Jahrhunderthalle

This version totally rips. The only thing keeping this from being the second or third best version is that Keith is too low in the mix, which is a total shame, because he is tearing it up and deserves to be heard loud and clear.