And a nod to late 2nd set Berthas. I think I only got a few of those, most notably NYE 81 coming out of Dark Star and the Dead/Dylan show in Oakland with the great video visuals (July 87).
Feel Like a Stranger
Sugaree
Me and My Uncle
Big River
Peggy-O
C.C. Rider
Althea
Passenger
China Cat Sunflower
I Know You Rider
Alabama Getaway
Greatest Story Ever Told
Ship of Fools
Lost Sailor
Saint of Circumstance
drums
The Other One
Stella Blue
I Need a Miracle
Bertha
Good Lovin'
>>>Last time that trio was played together per Setlists.net Also $$$ in '81 was: May 4th Bertha>Greatest set 1 closer & May 16th Shakedown Street>Bertha opens set 2
its a tough call cuz there are many from 71-77 that sound better overall, but without the big bass bomb after "why dont you arrest me" and "throw me in the jailhouse" the song really doesnt hit the same. does anyone know exactly when they started doing that? when i listen to shows im a big "skip to end of first set or beginning of second set" kinda guy so i dont really have the bertha lore on the tip of my tongue like the real full show chads might
Personally, I don't think that there was anything from the Grateful Dead that was "best" in 1987/88.
I was however always happy to hear a Bertha in that era, because I've always loved that song but mainly because for just a moment at the beginning I would think it might be Touch of Grey, a song that took years to grow on me.
If we're talking about best/favorite versions, give me the one on Skull & Roses.
Faced with such a challenging question, I went to today's expert on everything. AI.
Here is what I came up with:
Because "best" is highly subjective and depends on whether you are talking about golf clubs or the Grateful Dead song, here are the standout, hall-of-fame years for both.
1971: The debut year. These versions—especially the legendary one on the live Skull & Roses album—feature a raw, blistering energy.
1972: The Europe '72 tour features some of the most famous and refined renditions of the song, highlighted by sharp execution.
1977: The peak of "feel-good" Dead. Shows from this year (like the May 9 Buffalo or May 21 Lakeland performances) feature a smooth, laid-back groove and stellar guitar tones.
1978: Known for upbeat, high-tempo, and intense jamming, particularly the famous July 8 Red Rocks performance.
As for the human side of me, uhh.. 87 - 88? Surly U jest.
I saw my first Bertha in 72. It kicked. Overall my favs where in 73.
That said, I saw a killer MSG shoe somewhere in the mid 80's that had a killer 2nd set Bertha.
Phil dropped the biggest Phil Bomb EVAH. It rocked my world, then some.
>>>Personally, I don't think that there was anything from the Grateful Dead that was "best" in 1987/88.
Well.....because i thought this was a curmudgeon response, I went to the other place besides AI for look: Headyversion. AND....to your credit, there is not a lot, although I've probably only clicked on 30 songs. Mostly 89-90 pick up top songs in the late 80's+
BUT not surprising, my first guess was there. Touch of Grey - March 27, 1987 - Civic Center Hartford, CT by 18 votes.
Now there are some songs that were rarely played that get on there too but probably shouldn't count those/these: Get Back, Good Golly, La Bamba,....etc.
Of sad note. Turns out I saw the best ever Childhoods End :(
So the question is did the band lead the audience on the punched up Test Me - Test Me line or did the audience start screaming the lyrics more in the 80's in the bigger venues and the band picked up on it and started to punch the line more.
I believe Bertha was the first song played in 1985 after Jerry got busted. At Berkeley Community Theater. 3-9-1985. Rex benefit.
(My first time in that venue and after being an East Coast Deadhead, I was amazed the Dead still played in such places. That sure helped convince me to move West.)
>>>because i thought this was a curmudgeon response<<<
Well....In general I try to keep most of my curmudgeony responses to myself (unfortunately I am imperfect) but in this case we were being asked if we agreed with a specific statement, so I simply answered the question, thoroughly.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Def. High
I like the 71-72 ones better.
I like the 71-72 ones better.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
Bertha had a good run from
Bertha had a good run from start to finish, I'd say.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mike Dalton
And a nod to late 2nd set
And a nod to late 2nd set Berthas. I think I only got a few of those, most notably NYE 81 coming out of Dark Star and the Dead/Dylan show in Oakland with the great video visuals (July 87).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: plj
i had a hard on
i had a hard on
running from your window
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: TommyGutt
Bertha good lovin umm early
Bertha good lovin umm early 80's east coast,can't remember where but finishing a shoe with that combo was a special treat
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Strangha
If you can get Zoners to "all
If you can get Zoners to "all agree," I'll buy your plane ticket to the Middle East and have you work on that region. Love "Bertha."
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Briank
Deal and Estimated also found
Deal and Estimated also found new heights in the late 80s, and LLR too.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Joe Buck is Back
Cold Rain as well?
Cold Rain as well?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: TommyGutt
Dis one smokes...
Dis one smokes...
Hartford Civic Center - March 14, 1981
setlist
Feel Like a Stranger
Sugaree
Me and My Uncle
Big River
Peggy-O
C.C. Rider
Althea
Passenger
China Cat Sunflower
I Know You Rider
Alabama Getaway
Greatest Story Ever Told
Ship of Fools
Lost Sailor
Saint of Circumstance
drums
The Other One
Stella Blue
I Need a Miracle
Bertha
Good Lovin'
One More Saturday Night
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: krab
I Need a Miracle
I Need a Miracle
Bertha
Good Lovin'
>>>Last time that trio was played together per Setlists.net Also $$$ in '81 was: May 4th Bertha>Greatest set 1 closer & May 16th Shakedown Street>Bertha opens set 2
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
its a tough call cuz there
its a tough call cuz there are many from 71-77 that sound better overall, but without the big bass bomb after "why dont you arrest me" and "throw me in the jailhouse" the song really doesnt hit the same. does anyone know exactly when they started doing that? when i listen to shows im a big "skip to end of first set or beginning of second set" kinda guy so i dont really have the bertha lore on the tip of my tongue like the real full show chads might
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: JP (J Bomb)
Cold Rain as well?<<<
Cold Rain as well?<<<
Good point.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
> the big bass bomb after
> the big bass bomb after "why dont you arrest me" and "throw me in the jailhouse"
A fine example here. Second set opener. MSG. 09/20/1988.
https://archive.org/details/gd88-09-20.sbd.jeff.2422.sbeok.shnf/gd88-09-...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lance HTT Newberry
Personally, I don't think
Personally, I don't think that there was anything from the Grateful Dead that was "best" in 1987/88.
I was however always happy to hear a Bertha in that era, because I've always loved that song but mainly because for just a moment at the beginning I would think it might be Touch of Grey, a song that took years to grow on me.
If we're talking about best/favorite versions, give me the one on Skull & Roses.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Joe Buck is Back
Mike, I was jamming on that
Mike, I was jamming on that one yesterday while I was in the shower. That a very tight show and sounds great on the playdead app.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dave
Faced with such a challenging
Faced with such a challenging question, I went to today's expert on everything. AI.
Here is what I came up with:
Because "best" is highly subjective and depends on whether you are talking about golf clubs or the Grateful Dead song, here are the standout, hall-of-fame years for both.
1971: The debut year. These versions—especially the legendary one on the live Skull & Roses album—feature a raw, blistering energy.
1972: The Europe '72 tour features some of the most famous and refined renditions of the song, highlighted by sharp execution.
1977: The peak of "feel-good" Dead. Shows from this year (like the May 9 Buffalo or May 21 Lakeland performances) feature a smooth, laid-back groove and stellar guitar tones.
1978: Known for upbeat, high-tempo, and intense jamming, particularly the famous July 8 Red Rocks performance.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bob
Can't agree with that.
Can't agree.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dave
As for the human side of me,
As for the human side of me, uhh.. 87 - 88? Surly U jest.
I saw my first Bertha in 72. It kicked. Overall my favs where in 73.
That said, I saw a killer MSG shoe somewhere in the mid 80's that had a killer 2nd set Bertha.
Phil dropped the biggest Phil Bomb EVAH. It rocked my world, then some.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Zzzzzz
>>>Personally, I don't think
>>>Personally, I don't think that there was anything from the Grateful Dead that was "best" in 1987/88.
Well.....because i thought this was a curmudgeon response, I went to the other place besides AI for look: Headyversion. AND....to your credit, there is not a lot, although I've probably only clicked on 30 songs. Mostly 89-90 pick up top songs in the late 80's+
BUT not surprising, my first guess was there. Touch of Grey - March 27, 1987 - Civic Center Hartford, CT by 18 votes.
Now there are some songs that were rarely played that get on there too but probably shouldn't count those/these: Get Back, Good Golly, La Bamba,....etc.
Of sad note. Turns out I saw the best ever Childhoods End :(
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philnweird
Several classics got reborn
Several classics got reborn in the 80s/late 80s with faster tempos and the Brent backing vocals. Jack Straw, Cassidy and Let It Grow come to mind.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino
So the question is did the
So the question is did the band lead the audience on the punched up Test Me - Test Me line or did the audience start screaming the lyrics more in the 80's in the bigger venues and the band picked up on it and started to punch the line more.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: GoneGoodbye
One of my favorites live, the
One of my favorites live, the joy, the energy and the groove was crazy!
If y'all excuse me now I gotta go musically masturbate to 7/4/89.
Thanks!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MarkD
Deadheads.
Deadheads.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Joe Buck is Back
The why don't you arrest me
The why don't you arrest me line got a bigger cheer after Jerry's arrest in the park and I think the band picked up on it.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
I believe Bertha was the
I believe Bertha was the first song played in 1985 after Jerry got busted. At Berkeley Community Theater. 3-9-1985. Rex benefit.
(My first time in that venue and after being an East Coast Deadhead, I was amazed the Dead still played in such places. That sure helped convince me to move West.)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lance HTT Newberry
>>>because i thought this was
>>>because i thought this was a curmudgeon response<<<
Well....In general I try to keep most of my curmudgeony responses to myself (unfortunately I am imperfect) but in this case we were being asked if we agreed with a specific statement, so I simply answered the question, thoroughly.