Which Version Of JT's "Carolina In My Mind" Do You Prefer?

I only found out a few years ago he recorded an earlier version with The Beatles backing him.

I prefer the one most people are familiar with, the re-recording for his GH album.

 

The horns seem so out of place.

 

Who's JT???

 

James Taylor?

 

I prefer the re-recording. One of his best songs, IMO.

 

James Taylor

Sorry

 

Is the version on the Apple LP the same as the 45?

 

I voted for the Apple album original. To be clear, it’s not the Beatles, it’s Paul on bass and possibly background vocals from George.

 

Thank you for the clarification

 

To me, the original just didn't fit what James' signature style would become. That kind of laid back folksy feel.

 

I enjoy the one on Greatest hits, a lot actually.
I think the only other version, coming to mind, that I love, is on Melanie's Candles in the Rain...
Not familiar with the Beatles/McCartney version, I don't think.

 

Greatest Hits version. Fully realized.

Even though Paul is on bass, the Apple version sounds like a demo.

 

It's on James' debut, which was on Apple. Though barely a year later, Sweet Baby James sounds much more mature. The Apple album's a cool thing, though.

I prefer the Carolina In My Mind from Greatest Hits.

 

Original Apple all the way. I generally dislike redo-s.

 

The GH version is way better in my opinion, could be because I've heard it so many more times though.
Not too fond of that debut album, he just hadn't found his signature sound yet. Lots of songs with flute solos, psych sections and orchestrations, etc

 

Very much a product of its time, and a little awkward. James probably would have benefited from a stripped-down, bare style, like Joni's first album.

James Taylor is a curio, more of a footnote than anything else. Glad it exists. I bought it for my wife, who's a big fan, and listen to it once in a while.

 

"Overproduced" would be a description of the Apple album. The songs are good to great, just not produced to fit JT's style.

 

im an original apple album fan all the way

 

GH was the one I heard first, so it’s what immediately comes to mind when I think of the song. But I actually prefer the original version

for those unfamiliar...here it is

 

I prefer the re-recording. The gentle arrangement suits the song better. It also suits the state better.

Carolina in my Mind is kind of an unofficial state song in NC. It is sung every year at spring commencement at UNC Chapel Hill.



JT spent much of his youth in Chapel Hill. There is also a bridge named after him leading on to campus.

 

I always liked the Apple album as I bought it in 1970 or so, but when I heard the two redo's on the WB GH LP in the '70s, I was happy as those versions were more a reflection on James and his treatment of his songs that the grand production of the Apple album.

 

I like that album for what it is but it's quirky to be sure.
Taylor and producer Peter Asher were heading in the right direction but hadn't quite found their way.
Some good songs on that Apple debut though with a bit of an edge to them and not smoothed out like those on ' Sweet Baby James '

 

The Apple version has a kind of cheerful vibe that I've always found uplifting, and I heard it first, so - love it. But the redo feels like an old friend. Glad there's both!

 

There is an acoustic version that I prefer - might have been a bonus track on one of his reissues

 

Here it is