[chinacat503]

I have always loved this song, but never have narrowed down a 'favorite' version, like I have with many other songs...... just thought it would be interesting to hear if anyone has any renditions they think stand above the rest....or maybe top 3 or so.....versions you saw live also fun to hear about...

....oh yeah, anyone else catch the Phil & Trey Vegoose late night Wharf Rat from this last year?....pretty incredible



...I'll get up and fly away.....

[Billbbill]

Off the top of my head I can't recall the date but there's a version from Merriweather Post pavilion sometime mid 80's I believe where Phil dropped some huge bombs at the 'I'll get up and fly away' portion. Oh me oh my. Has to be one of my favorites as it is so memorable. Have the cassette of it. I'll try to find the date.

[bodiddley]

Problem is there are just so many damn good versions of the song starting with the very first one sandwiched between Dark Star, 2-17-71? I feel it's one of their greatest songs. Damn shame there were never any acoustic versions.It's either 5-7 or 5-9-77, that has an exceptional version.

[GratefulFloyd]

i really like the version off "The Grateful Dead" album, ya know, skull and roses. its a good'n

[stratomaster7120]

I think the best version I've heard..well the one I've heard lately that really surprised me was the recent 76 release, Live at Cow Palace. It's a pretty great show, no wonder they released it for offical release. The whole show itself is good, on the advertisements they highlighted the not fade away and Sugar Magnolia, but I think the Wharf Rat steals the show. Best Version I've heard in a long time.

[stssteven]

The Wharf Rat from Binghamton, NY 1977, is the best version i've heard. Its a must if u like the song. Jerry's tone is killer and it rocks out. They then go into what many people feel is the best version of Truckin to end the show. A huge smile on your face is guaranteed. I think the second set of this show is as good as any. Just my 2 cents.

[chinacat503]

The Wharf Rat from Binghamton, NY 1977, is the best version i've heard. Its a must if u like the song. Jerry's tone is killer and it rocks out. They then go into what many people feel is the best version of Truckin to end the show. A huge smile on your face is guaranteed. I think the second set of this show is as good as any. Just my 2 cents.

.....is this an official release? I dont have this in my collection .....if not, anybody know anywhere I can still download this? I really need to hear this show

[LaughingBones]

5/25/77.....jerry plays a long solo by himself for a few minutes before going into the song.

[Jimkkc]

Frost Amp. 5/7/89 - One where the "I know that the life I'm livin' no good" harmonies are absolutely nailed and spot on. I would say that 5/7/89 is far too often over-looked as a strong example of later day Dead. Of course, the extremely high quality recordings help make the performance shine . . .

[bodiddley]

To me the whole song kind of revovles around them being able to pull off that line respectably.

[Billbbill]

OK the aforementioned phil bombs were from 6/20/83. streamable and downloadable (aud rec.) at archive.org

Not the greatest recording but listenable. And oh the bombs...

[Tastebud]

7/8/78 is pretty sick

The first version I ever heard actually

[Sasquatch]

version off skullfuck is great

[Sasquatch]

OHNO billbill i love the phil bombs, but on archive.org it apears to me that it skips forom 8/83 to 5/83 where are the bombs, can you link me?

[caspersvapors]

7/8/78 is pretty sick

The first version I ever heard actually

thats at red rocks right? yes that show is fucking excellent, Wharf Rat is probably top 5 ever