September 4, 2008
One Night Only… Times Seven
As a fan of studio recordings and techniques, it was a little difficult for me to find live recordings that surpassed their studio counterparts. But… I was able to find some. So behold… the (almost) string-less live faves by yours truly…
- Paul McCartney and Wings, “Coming Up” (Live at Glasgow 1980)
THE definitive example of a live recording outshining its studio counterpart. The original version of “Coming Up” on the “McCartney II” album was a thin-sounding, undercooked disco-rock melange of guitars, muted drums, and wheezy synths. Granted, “McCartney II” was intended to have the homespun feel that “McCartney,” but those synths just did NOT help out. This live version which helped bolster the song to one of McCartney’s last #1 appearances blows away the original version. Having a real backing band with a real horn section give the song the bounce and energy that it deserves. This recording is also notable for being one of the few recordings around of the final lineup of Wings. - Billy Joel, “She’s Got A Way” (Live at Carnegie Hall 1977)
This is from the recent release of Billy’s 1977 Carnegie Hall concert that came as a bonus disc on “The Stranger - Deluxe Edition.” It was a tossup between this and “I’ve Loved These Days” from that same concert. This one edges out for its simple arrangement. Now…why this and not the live version from 1981’s “Songs in the Attic” compilation? Billy’s voice seems stronger here and there some nuances in his piano playing that give it the one-up on the “SitA” version. Also, if you listen closely, you can hear a subtle, but effect cello backing that’s not really present on any other version of the song. - Queen, “Radio Ga Ga” (Live Aid 1985)
As a Queen fan, this was one of the milestone live performances that Queen did. It stands as one of the best performances during Live Aid. I mean, c’mon…getting a whole stadium to clap in unison at the right time during your chorus? Brilliance. Also, the energy kicks this one up a notch from the original 1984 version. - Ben Folds Five, “She Don’t Use Jelly” (Sessions at West 54th 1997)
This Ben Folds cover of the Flaming Lips classic is from the very-missed PBS series “Sessions at West 54th.” A recorded version was done for the “Lounge-a-Palooza” CD, but this one wins out as a testament to how tight a band Ben Folds Five were. Ben, Robert Sledge, and Darren Jessee all complimented each other so well. This live version also achieves the lounge-y cocktail vibe that recorded version misses a bit of. - Ben Folds, “Not The Same” (Calvin Theater 2002)
While not necessarily a replacement for the studio version, this live version of the “Rockin’ the Suburbs” track has a great almost hymnal-like to it. As any Ben Folds fan knows, during Ben’s solo tour, he’d often leave the backing vocals to the audience and often, the crowds would nail it as evidenced here. The “ah’s” are chill-inducing…hail to the church of Folds! - Scissor Sisters, “Might Tell You Tonight” (Live at the O2)
While I loved the Scissor Sisters’ “Ta-Dah,” it had a bit too much polish and lacked the oomph and edge that had made me love the band in the first place. This performance of “Might Tell You Tonight” shows how some of the “Ta-Dah” tracks had that extra gust of energy when done live. - The Wonders, “That Thing You Do!” (Live at The Hollywood Television Showcase)
What a wonder this was…The fact that they did this song after losing their bassist to…what? They’re not real? Oh…it’s still a kickass song!
Download: Paul McCartney and Wings, “Coming Up” (Live at Glasgow 1980 - mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)Download: Billy Joel, “She’s Got A Way” (Live at Carnegie Hall 1977 - mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)Download: Queen, “Radio Ga Ga” (Live Aid 1985 - mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)Download: Ben Folds Five, “She Don’t Use Jelly” (Sessions at West 54th 1997 - mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)Download: Ben Folds, “Not The Same” (Calvin Theater 2002 - mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)Download: Scissor Sisters, “Might Tell You Tonight” (Live at the O2 - mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)Download: The Wonders, “That Thing You Do!” (Live at The Hollywood Television Showcase - mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)
September 25th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
[...] and life. This is from the same concert as “Coming Up,” which Mandel highlighted in his “One Night Only… Times Seven” posting earlier this month, and features the final lineup of Wings in one of its final live shows [...]