Red Mosquito • View topic - Songs better in studio version than live?

yofismom · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:32 pm

Some say all Pearl Jam is better live. Some have said that particular songs are better in the studio version and seem to be missing something live. This was recently said in another thread about Not For You and Corduroy. I've also heard it said about Once.

I'm conflicted about Not For You and Corduroy. I can see the point with both these songs, in that the build up of tension, the sense of mounting anger and release, isn't quite the same live as in the studio versions, I think b/c the quieter parts of the songs don't contrast as much live with the raging parts. However I really love Not For You live anyway, it would be on my dream setlist for a live show for sure.

Curious what others think. (Apologies if this has been done before. I did a search and didn't find anything.)

cutuphalfdead · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:36 pm

Almost all Pearl Jam songs are better in the studio.

chino · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:38 pm

I'm in the camp that finds a lot of their songs better in studio as opposed to live (not a majority, but I definitely don't think all of their stuff is better live).

The most notable for me is given to fly... Good live, but studio is untouchable

MattA751 · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:47 pm

I think up until about the 2000 or 2003 tour, live versions were superior...nowadays though, I think it's the exception rather than the rule that live versions exceed the studio versions

mray10 · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:53 pm

cutuphalfdead wrote:

Almost all Pearl Jam songs are better in the studio.

This.

They're still a great live band, mostly, but if you want a definitive version of a song you have to go for the studio version.

washing machine · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:55 pm

I Got ID is so much better in the studio than live. I often question whether or not I even like the actual song as opposed to that recording. I'll always turn up that Merkinball performance. I'll often skip or zone out if it comes up on a bootleg.

Also, call me crazy, but I feel this way about Jeremy too. The guitar tones on the second half of the Ten version showcase what I do like about those studio sessions.

washing machine · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:00 pm

Of course as soon as I hit submit, a crappier than usual version of I Got ID comes on this Slovenia boot. Neil did this song such a favor.

cutuphalfdead · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:00 pm

If I remember correctly, there were some great live I Got Shits from the 98 tour.

62strat · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:09 pm

Detroit 00 is fantastic. Mikes use of the delay is pure gold. Other than that the song has never been the same since Neil.

detroit WHAT?!?!

washing machine · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:12 pm

I disagree with both of you jerks.

bmacsmith · **Joined:** Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:52 pm **Posts:** 8288

half of them.

warehouse · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:29 pm

cutuphalfdead wrote:

If I remember correctly, there were some great live I Got Shits from the 98 tour.

soldier field 1995

i think most of their songs are better live

bmacsmith · **Joined:** Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:52 pm **Posts:** 8288

notable songs better live:
Immortality
Half Full
WWS
Even Flow

notable songs better in studio:
In My Tree
Given To Fly
Black
Porch

HardTI · **Joined:** Tue Dec 07, 2004 8:45 pm **Posts:** 561

washing machine wrote:

I Got ID is so much better in the studio than live. I often question whether or not I even like the actual song as opposed to that recording. I'll always turn up that Merkinball performance. I'll often skip or zone out if it comes up on a bootleg.

Also, call me crazy, but I feel this way about Jeremy too. The guitar tones on the second half of the Ten version showcase what I do like about those studio sessions.

Woh. WD, I'm totally on the same page as you with both of these songs. Most of your posts are exactly what I'm thinking too. At some point you should change your name to "washing machine \ HardTI" so I never have to post again.

washing machine · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:38 pm

HardTI wrote:

washing machine wrote:

I Got ID is so much better in the studio than live. I often question whether or not I even like the actual song as opposed to that recording. I'll always turn up that Merkinball performance. I'll often skip or zone out if it comes up on a bootleg.

Also, call me crazy, but I feel this way about Jeremy too. The guitar tones on the second half of the Ten version showcase what I do like about those studio sessions.

Woh. WD, I'm totally on the same page as you with both of these songs. Most of your posts are exactly what I'm thinking too. At some point you should change your name to "washing machine \ HardTI" so I never have to post again.

There's always room in my Corolla LE for another, friend.

HardTI · **Joined:** Tue Dec 07, 2004 8:45 pm **Posts:** 561

washing machine wrote:

HardTI wrote:

washing machine wrote:

I Got ID is so much better in the studio than live. I often question whether or not I even like the actual song as opposed to that recording. I'll always turn up that Merkinball performance. I'll often skip or zone out if it comes up on a bootleg.

Also, call me crazy, but I feel this way about Jeremy too. The guitar tones on the second half of the Ten version showcase what I do like about those studio sessions.

Woh. WD, I'm totally on the same page as you with both of these songs. Most of your posts are exactly what I'm thinking too. At some point you should change your name to "washing machine \ HardTI" so I never have to post again.

There's always room in my Corolla LE for another, friend.

Don't tell me your Corolla is black too...

southp · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:59 pm

Better in studio:
In My Tree
Spin the Black Circle
Jeremy
You Are

HardTI · **Joined:** Tue Dec 07, 2004 8:45 pm **Posts:** 561

There are actually quite a few songs that I enjoy live as much as in the studio, but I like them differently. Like In My Tree is so different live but I love it. I love the studio one with headphones on and a nice strong buzz going. Live it's a kick ass sorta trippy rocker. Love em.

62strat · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 6:08 pm

% chance this thread turns into a debate on the current status of PJ's live abilities?

stip · **Posted:** Wed Oct 05, 2011 6:08 pm

I am firmly in the better in the studio camp, with the notable exception of 1/2 Full

Songs better in studio version than live?

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