Same song by same artists that are different

[dahliaclone]

Are there versions of a song done by the original artist that may be popular on the main album but a second version is one you think is heads and shoulders better?

For instance. I love the song Walking After You by Foo Fighters but their version on the Color and the Shape album is nothing compared to the version that is oddly enough only available on the X-Files Movie soundtrack. It’s not even close that that version is better in my opinion.

 

[NorthCyd]

Unplugged version of Down in a Hole by Alice in Chains. Honestly the whole unplugged album is amazing, but that one stand above the rest IMO.

 

[JP4CY]

There is a different version of Perfect Drug by NIN that I like more.

 

[CyCrazy]

Unplugged version of Down in a Hole by Alice in Chains. Honestly the whole unplugged album is amazing, but that one stand above the rest IMO.

Alice in Chains is the best group of the 90's.

 

[12191987]

Great question. This may violate the spirit slightly, but the first that comes to mind:

Sweet Jane by the Velvet Underground.

The early versions weren’t nearly as good (to me) as the popular version(s) from Loaded.

Incidentally the early versions were essentially what the Cowboy Junkies covered, and that cover was brilliant.

My favorite is the edited version from Loaded with the Heavenly Wine bridge edited out.

The Rock-and-Roll Animal solo version Lou did later is my least favorite.

 

[JM4CY]

Are there versions of a song done by the original artist that may be popular on the main album but a second version is one you think is heads and shoulders better?

For instance. I love the song Walking After You by Foo Fighters but their version on the Color and the Shape album is nothing compared to the version that is oddly enough only available on the X-Files Movie soundtrack. It’s not even close that that version is better in my opinion.

That whole acoustic side of the In Your Honor album by FF is one of my favorite albums of all time.

 

[CloneFanInKC]

Eric Clapton
After Midnight circa ‘87 Michelob Light commercial.

 

[cytor]

Any Heart fans out there? Buy the album, "The Road Home"... Full album of hits played acoustically and with some orchestra parts. Truly cool!

 

[HOTDON]

I love this thread so much. I feel like I'm the only one who noticed album versions vs demo versions vs radio mixes, etc.

Verve Pipe - Freshmen

Everyone was familiar with the radio version. Huge hit. This is the original single version I had. I love the brushed snare and falsetto kick in the chorus.

Better Than Ezra - A Lifetime


Became a radio hit on 2005, but the 2001 version on their previous album was somehow both more subdued and had more personality. Never liked the unnecessary tom fills and delay effects added to the radio version.

 

[HOTDON]

The ultimate example of this is Guns N Roses - Don't Cry. They had two different sets of lyrics and decided to go with both.





Always thought the more brooding version from UYI2 was better, but the ugly crossfade in the middle of the song is a stark reminder of which version is the original.

 

[HOTDON]

Bit of a stretch on the premise, but I always thought this was funny. We'll make one poppy, and layer in some steel guitar and twang on the other one, release them to their respective formats and never the twain shall meet.

 

[frackincygy]

Original:


IMO Improved:


I just prefer the upbeat twangyness of the remake version. Most of Cuttin' Grass V1 and V2 are different takes on his songs, but this one stands out in my mind.

 

[coolerifyoudid]

 

[AuH2O]

Alice in Chains is the best group of the 90's.

My favorite band when I was in HS and college.

My 17 year old that had been mostly into rap and country in the last few months started listening to classic rock. And just decided Alice im Chains is his favorite band. I don’t think he even knew I was a fan.

 

[dahliaclone]

I meant to put the two versions of Walking After You in my post.

The best version:



The album version:



The album one is more slower pace and brooding.

 

[cyclones500]

Beyond production quality, mostly a change in title/refrain.

 

[AlaCyclone]

Both are AWESOME!

 

[Mead For My Horses]

Bob Dylan did a fast and slow version of Forever Young on Planet Waves. Mellencamp did the same for Small Town on Scarecrow.

 

[cyclones500]

I meant to put the two versions of Walking After You in my post.

The best version:



The album version:



The album one is more slower pace and brooding.

I like both, but I'm with you, push-to-shove, the "X-Files" mix is preferable.

 

[dahliaclone]

Another, and this will date me, was when I was in college and Dave Matthew’s Band (no comments!) had their Lillywhite Sessions leaked. The song Grey Street in those sessions was great I thought. Then the album Busted Stuff came out and Grey Street was a track and I listened and was like what is this crap version.