Can we all agree 1987-88 was the best two year period for Bertha

Forums:

'71-'72 in second place, not far behind.

I like the 71-72 ones better.

Bertha had a good run from start to finish, I'd say.

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).

i had a hard on

running from your window

Bertha good lovin umm early 80's east coast,can't remember where but finishing a shoe with that combo was a special treat

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."

Deal and Estimated also found new heights in the late 80s, and LLR too.

Cold Rain as well?

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

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

Cold Rain as well?<<<

Good point.

> 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-...

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.

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.

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. 


 

Can't agree. 

As for the human side of me, uhh.. 87 - 88?  Surly U jest. cheeky
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.