Why I tend to prefer live versions over studio versions

[idssdi]

I have this tendency to prefer live versions of songs over studio version. Thats usually because something is different or added and I like those added bits and pieces a lot. Example would be Critical acclaim, Unholy Confessions, Beast And The Harlot, Second Heartbeat, pretty much everything John Mayer does, Led Zeppelin stuff, RHCP, Deep Purple and Rainbow but the best example I can think of would be Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. I know We Sheeran writes great songs but the studio version for me are you know kinda normal. Then live he adds John Mayer and it gets a lot cooler for me

I would love to hear your view on this!

 

[Filip Tomiša]

Live versions are good if they are mixed correctly, if they sound horrible you still might enjoy it if you watch the video of them performing because it will feel like you are at the concert but if you only listen to the audio you will realise that is sounds bad. So yeah, live versions can be better than the studio versions if they are mixed correctly, for example like you said Second Heartbeat, it sounds amazing and it’s different from the studio version and you can listen to the audio only without the video and still enjoy it because it sounds great.

 

[Gabriel Corso]

I feel the same way about you, Ids!
I believe that artist tend to modify their music in live performances in a single way every time they play it.
And that is awesome, because it can show you another perspective.
One example is David Gilmour. Normally the solo of Comfortably numb is 2 minutes long, but in his recent tours he modified it and extended it to 4 minutes and a half.
The final result was amazing and different from what we have been listening for years.
And I like that!
John Mayer does that to! A lot of mojo from that guy. I really appreciate his blues abilities
And speaking of Ed Sheeran. I think that it was on the BRITS.
He played bloodstream alone with a loop station, and it was amazing! Lots of feeling! Made the crowd go wooooow!


I know This is a cover from John, but man. I have been listening to this non stop haha.

 

[Guest]

I agree Ids. Studio versions pretty much get me hooked to the songs. Then the live versions make me fall in love with the song even more. On another note, sometimes the live/acoustic versions of some songs sound better than the original.

 

[Gabriel Corso]

Same here Juan !!
Agree 100%

 

[Filip Tomiša]

Speaking of live performances, here’s a7x at the grammy museum performing Exist

 

[Gabriel Corso]

I really like their acoustic performance. I always put in on the car when i travel.
The best part is ” ok, guys. Now lets do save me” hahha.
Very nice indeed

 

[Dominik Gräber]

yep, that live intro always gets me^^

 

[Gabriel Corso]

A banger, Dominik!

 

[Jak Angelescu]

The first time I ever heard Slow Dancing In A Burning Room was actually the live version and I fell in love with the song. That was the only version I had ever heard. And then up about a month and a 1/2 ago I heard the studio version and it was so bland compared to the live version. Sometimes live versions capture more of the artists freestyle emotions that they’re feeling at the moment. Sometimes in studios I feel like artists are locked down to having to be completely cut and paste. Another example of this is Edwin McCain’s I’ll Be. The live version is so moving and beautiful that I almost cry listening to it. I’ll also admit that I really enjoyed the live acoustic version of Hail to the King. I think because the music is a little bit more toned down, the full blown rawness and beastial sound of Matt’s voice comes through more. Especially when the backup vocals come in when they say “Hail to the King” on the chorus it’s just so powerful and mighty sounding.

 

[Kate Bartels]

Oh how I love live music. Something about it being a little different or not so completely perfect is just the best. Seems more real. That being said, there are a few bands that are much better in the studio but I still love them so just skip the live stuff.