Which of these versions of Dark End of the Street do you prefer?

The Burritos was the second version I heard...the piano playing on that one is a knockout.

 

Probably a lot of good versions I haven't heard yet, but I like Richard Thompson. I've had the Guitar, Vocal CD for 30 years.

 

Clarence Carter

 

Percy Sledge. Not heard Carr's yet. Ry Cooder does a good version.

 

Thanks to the OP for this thread on a great song...I just checked to see if Otis Redding ever recorded "Dark End Of The Street" and looks like he didn't...it would've been awesome if he had, I'm sure. I did find this excellent version by Joe Tex, however.

 

You just beat me to it! First version I ever heard. Maybe still the best, depending on how I'm feeling about Richard & Linda Thompson's version that day. His introductory rap (which actually occupies 4 out of the 5 minutes here!) is simply classic.

 

James Carr
Many great versions but I these case no competition
As Dan Penn said
People keep asking me what sa the best version of Dark end of the street. As If there were any other version than James Carrs"

 

Not heard many versions but Frank Black turned in a decent iteration on Fast Man/Raider Man.

 

I agree James Carr did it first and best but the other versions in the poll also have merit. I honestly don't know a bad version of this song. Honorable mention to Ry Cooder for both his early instrumental take and his later versions with Bobby King and Terry Evans. Dan Penn, the author, cut the song too. Here is his live version from "Moments from This Theatre" with Spooner Oldham.

 

Linda's version was the first one I heard and it's still my favorite. But I do love the James Carr version almost as much.

 

I love the Moving Hearts version sung by Christy Moore

 

James Carr. Did it 1st & did it best. Case closed.

 

It’s one of Carr’s masterworks. Don’t take that away from him (as if anyone could).

 

Dan Penn cut it on his 1994 album as well. Definitely a great, great song.

 

Well, I've never heard any version but the Flying Burritos', but I still voted for that one as the best version, because it's one of my favorite tracks on any album, so I can't imagine any version being better.

 

James Carr, obviously.

I also like the R&L Thompson version.

There are also good versions by Ry Cooder and Joanna Connor not listed.

 

As much as I love the FBB version and think Gram really nails the vocal, the James Carr version is just head and shoulders about all of them IMHO.

 

I'll throw this one in. I realy like it but still no contest for James Carr

 

Not my favorite (that would be James Carr), but a great version:

 

You’ll be ok

 

My second choice, next to James Carr.

 

James Carr but the Richard and Linda is great.

 

Richard + Linda - but that's what my entry point was. I imagine whoever sang it, the first time you heard it dictates your vote. Although, I can't imagine anyone singing it better than Linda Thompson!