Live versions that own the studio version
 

There are a few songs out there where the live version is just super different, or way better, than the studio one.

I think the gold standard here is 'No Woman No Cry.' The impassioned performance and slightly slower, freer tempo - and the great audience involvement - make it a whole different song.

Others:

Straight to Hell - The Clash (From Here to Eternity)
I Shall Be Released - The Band (The Last Waltz)
Dublin Blues - Guy Clark (Live at the Bluebird)

NT

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Shelter from the Storm

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Oh yeah, another good one from The Last Waltz is the version of Caravan.

And really, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is probably better on that record with the horn section, too.

That was such a sick concert.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

The entire Grateful Dead playlist.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Roger Waters' version of "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" is miles better than the original from way back.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

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Roger Waters' version of "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" is miles better than the original from way back.

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Wow..thats one of the few Pink Floyd songs that I think was better as an original than RWs take.

Technically they are both live versions, btw, not really in the spirit of the thread maybe?

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

The acoustic Everlong.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Didn't this appear somewhere else?
Once again, I'm telling you, the Faces' live version of "Maybe I'm Amazed" kicks the crap out of Paul McCartney's. Look for it.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Every song on How the West Was One.

*How The West Was Won. My stupid real player playlist actually says One lol.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

"Thank You" (and really every song, but especially that one) on Led Zep BBC Sessions.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
The entire Grateful Dead playlist.

[/ QUOTE ]

As a looooooooong time Deadhead, I (obviously) agree, but there are a few exceptions. I think the studio version of "Friend of the Devil" is better than any of the several hundred live versions I've heard. Er...OK, maybe that's the only exception [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Actually, I'd put "The Golden Road" in the same category, but there aren't enough live versions to make a valid comparison.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]

I think the gold standard here is 'No Woman No Cry.' The impassioned performance and slightly slower, freer tempo - and the great audience involvement - make it a whole different song.


[/ QUOTE ]

my feet is my only carriage

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Layla - Eric Claptop, unplugged.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Layla - Eric Claptop, unplugged.

[/ QUOTE ]

While good, so is the studio version.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

I think the easier answers would be various songs from Frampton Comes Alive, Cheap Trick at Budakahn and Johnny Cash from anywhere.

And anyone who answers anything by the Rolling Stones should be added to the ignore list of that Clarkmeister dude.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

I agree with most of what has been covered here already"

Pretty much everything on "The Last Waltz" - also The Band's
Live New Year's Eve show in New York, "Rock of Ages" with the Allen Toussaint Horns.

Anything by the Grateful Dead, also in this vein Widespread Panic and Phish. Having seen both numerous times none of their studio recordings come close to the live show.

I also have a Live version of "Can't Find My Way Home" by Lowell George, Bonnie Raitt, and Linda Ronstadt. Best cover of that song I've ever heard.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Layla - Eric Claptop, unplugged.

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Wow, this isnt even in the same ballpark as the original. Nowhere near as good IMO.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Cheap Trick "I wan't you. to wan't me." The studio version sucks.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Metallica - S&M

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Cheap Trick "I wan't you. to wan't me." The studio version sucks.

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oh yeah, this is the winner
and the suggestion of the acoustic "Layla" being better than the original is like laughably bad

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Cheap Trick "I wan't you. to wan't me." The studio version sucks.

[/ QUOTE ]

wow, the version i know i always assumed was studio w/ the audience cheers dubbed in. the music is so good and the crowd is on so much on cue it sounds almost contrived. i just wikied it and learned something today. so ill second your vote.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Pearl Jam's Black from their Benaroya Hall acoustic show/album is one of the best rock songs in my opinion.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

anything by Townes Van Zandt

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Shelter from the Storm

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I doubt this is the one you speak of, but I think it is a great version. The original is so good though, it is hard to top.

Shelter

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

I don't even like the song/band anymore, but the track that immediately came to mind was "Untitled" by Blink 182 on the Mark, Tom, and Travis Show.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Cheap Trick "I wan't you. to wan't me." The studio version sucks.

[/ QUOTE ]

I need you to need me.



U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday is obviously the best, especially with this guest.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

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"Thank You" (and really every song, but especially that one) on Led Zep BBC Sessions.

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best jimmy page solo EV4r!!!!!111

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Pearl Jam's Black from their Benaroya Hall acoustic show/album is one of the best rock songs in my opinion.

[/ QUOTE ]

qft.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
.

And anyone who answers anything by the Rolling Stones should be added to the ignore list of that Clarkmeister dude.

[/ QUOTE ]

Midnight Rambler.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Layla - Eric Claptop, unplugged.

[/ QUOTE ]

Funny, the only reason why anyone cares about the unplugged version is because the original kicks ass. He even had the nerve to play the unplugged version in concert for a few years. There's no way anyone remembers this song standing on its own.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Back in black - AC DC live

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Like Spinning Plates, Radiohead is a favorite of mine in this regard.

Paul Simon had an early live album with a version of The Boxer featuring an extra verse. I was disappointed when I found the studio version didn't have that verse, as it was always my favorite. So that's another one I'd choose.

Sweet Jane, too.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
.

And anyone who answers anything by the Rolling Stones should be added to the ignore list of that Clarkmeister dude.

[/ QUOTE ]

Midnight Rambler.

[/ QUOTE ]

Has anyone on the internets ever admitted they were wrong? I don't want anyone to cut off my service.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Pearl Jam's Black from their Benaroya Hall acoustic show/album is one of the best rock songs in my opinion.

[/ QUOTE ]

qft.

[/ QUOTE ]
(brag) I was there, too. It was [censored] amazing. Best show I've been to for sure.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

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Layla - Eric Claptop, unplugged.

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ROFL, wtf? Unplugged version is awful and even if you thought it was good, it would take an actual removal of your testicles for any reasonable person to think it is better than the original. Jesus Christ.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

How has this thread gone this far without someone mentioning "Turn the Page" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band? I've heard the original and it totally sucked ass compared to the concert version.

Also, I much prefer the live version of Pearl Jam's "Yellow Ledbetter" to the studio one.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Cash is a good call here, particularly versions of "Daddy Sang Bass" and "Peace in the Valley" from San Quentin.

NT

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Layla - Eric Claptop, unplugged.

[/ QUOTE ]

ROFL, wtf? Unplugged version is awful and even if you thought it was good, it would take an actual removal of your testicles for any reasonable person to think it is better than the original. Jesus Christ.

[/ QUOTE ]
Heh, that may be a bit of an extreme response, but generally I agree - perhaps because I can't stand the unplugged version and think it's ridiculously overplayed. Plus it doesn't sound even remotely like the original, including having that badass final four minutes or so that are synonymous with "Goodfellas".

Another one I thought of, "About a Girl" by Nirvana. I really do prefer their live in NYC one by a lot.

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

[ QUOTE ]
Sweet Jane, too.

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Good answer.

Sweet Jane by Lou Reed
From the Rock 'N Roll Animal album.
Great 3 minute dual lead guitar intro. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Live versions that own the studio version
 

Every song Tool has ever performed live.

Every song Phish has ever performed live.

And I'll get [censored] for even mentioning the band... but Rush's 2112 is absolutely amazing live. Awesome in person, but particularly the version off of Different Stages if you want albums.

The Mars Volta "Cicatriz ESP" off of Scabdates.