Hi all, recently I stated here that in general I don't like live albums. As to every rule there's an exception, I indeed do prefer the live versions of some songs to the studio versions. For example: The Beatles "Money" (the Swedish Radio Show live version beats the studio version by far) also I do prefer all The Band songs from the Last Waltz Concert to the studio versions. I didn't know the studio versions before and was really disappointed. Which songs do you prefer in their live incarnation?
A LOT of King Crimson song starting around the time of 4th lp on were better live. Check out a lot of the Klub releases and USA. Just stunning.
Barry Manilow's "Daybreak" from his live album kicks the butt of the studio version all over the block!
ANY live version of David Bowie's "Heroes" is better than the studio version. Check the one on "Stage". "Rock and Roll Suicide" on "David Live" is also better in my opinion. "What in The World" and "Breaking Glass" on "Stage". And all songs from "Heathen" sound much better live, especially "Sunday", which includes a great guitar solo not on the studio version. Kiss - "Shock Me" on "Alive II" (an Ace Frehley song). Emerson, Lake and Palmer - any live version of "Tigers in a Spotlight" is better than the studio version. Same for "Watching Over You". Pink Floyd - the live version of "Comfortably Numb" on "The Delicate Sound of Thunder". Billy Joel - "Goodbye to Hollywood" from "Songs in the Attic" Queen - "One Vision" from Wembley. "Tie Your Mother Down", "Get Down, Make Love" and "We Will Rock You" (especially the fast version) from "Live Killers". "Action This Day" and "Staying Power" from "Queen on Fire: Live at the Bowl" Simon and Garfunkel - "Cecilia" from "Old Friends Live on Stage". "Late in the Evening" (originally a Paul Simon solo song) and "April Come She Will" from "Live in Central Park". I could probably remember a few more. Some live versions breathe new life into overlooked songs.
Not exactly live.... But IMHO, the versions of songs done for a Peel Session almost always beat the "studio" versions. IIRC, the Peel Sessions were usually done on an eight track with few overdubs and few takes. The Only Ones Peel Sessions are so much better than their studio output that even members of the band prefer the Peel performances. Cody
I think the version of "No Woman No Cry" from Bob Marley & the Wailers Live is the definitive version.
Not even close to the studio version without Waters vocal IMO. I really dislike the vocalists that sub for his part on that version.
I prefer Heart's live version of "Mistral Wind" from the '80 "Greatest Hits/Live" album over the "Dog and Butterfly" version. The studio version is good too... I just like the live version better.
Kill the King - Rainbow (On Stage) Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple (Made in Japan) All Status Quo studio recordings - live 77
Tom Petty, "The Insider", from the Pack up the Plantation live album, knocks the studio version sideways. Stevie
Speaking of Little Feat, the live version of "Dixie Chicken" beats the shorter studio take hands down. As discussed in another current thread, the live "Sweet Jane" from Rock n' Roll Animal rules! P.S. One more (slightly obscure): "Have You Seen the Saucers" from JA's 30 Seconds Over Winterland.
The Rickie Lee Jones Naked Songs album is excellent. For the most part, just Rickie Lee and a guitar or piano and very well recorded.
Some forgotten (by me) gems: No woman no cry, Smoke on the water, Sunday bloody sunday... and Grateful Dead.
The first one that came to my mind was the Rolling Stones live (from Get Yer Ya Ya's Out) version of Midnight Rambler.
Some that haven't been mentioned yet: Elvis - "Trying To Get To You" from the 68 Comeback special The Kinks "Celluloid Heroes" The Band - "It Makes No Difference" from The Last Waltz, and "Stage Fright" from Rock of Ages Bob Dylan - "I Don't Believe You" "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" and "One Too Many Mornings" from Live 1966 Velvet Underground almost all of 1969 Live Neil Diamond - Sides 1 and 4 of Hot August Night, plus "Kentucky Woman" from Gold Van Morrison - Most of Live At the Grand Opera House, Belfast Marianne Faithful - Most of Blazing Away The 'OO - most of The Kids Are Alright Richard Thompson "You Can't Win" from Watching The Dark