4 Times the Live Version was Better than the Studio Version {List 1}

© Late Critic

NOTE: This post is part of a series that talks about live performances that beat their studio counterparts. If there are particular songs that you like but aren't listening to that often, you may want to check out their live versions because those can really bring justice to them and (sometimes) also show how much better the artists can play them live.

With that said, here is the first list of performances that I have found to prefer over their studio versions.

"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads. Taken from the concert movie, Stop Making Sense (1984).

David Byrne is quite the character when he performs. This live version of "Once in a Lifetime" is as eccentric as he is that when you watch and listen, you experience an overload of eccentricity as Byrne seems to outdo himself and the performance. I don't really listen to Talking Heads, but this song happens to be one of the greatest songs to ever come out of the 80s that I had to hear it. Although I like this song, I didn't find myself listening to it often. But that changed as soon as I found out about this performance that I now listen to it frequently.

"Echoplex" by Nine Inch Nails. Taken from their rehearsals (2008)

When you compare this verson to the studio version, you can definitely pick up a jump in dynamics since this one is as raw and heavy as you can get. The two things I like the most about this are the bass lines played by Justin Meldal-Johnsen and the drum progression played by Josh Freese. (Digressing here for a bit, but I explicitly mention those two members because they happen to be two of the best session/touring musicians Trent has collaborated with due to their musicianship and talent on their respective instruments). I also mention these two elements because they are close to non-existent in the studio version.

"Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode. Taken from "Live on Letterman" (2013)

This is Depeche Mode's most well-known song. It is a straightforward song that talks about having a "personal Jesus" to physically confide in rather than depending solely on religion to find comfort and validation. Although it is a song that anyone seeking a friend to confide in can relate to, the studio version doesn't do it justice, which is why I prefer this live version instead. This performance also shows how Depeche Mode manages to stay relevant to this day as an influential electronic group that can be compared to wine-- they simply get better with age.

"Real by Reel" by XTC. Taken from a live performance at the former théâtre de l'Empire (1979)

For a band that plays moderate to very fast, melodic riffs, XTC proves that they can play these tempos live extremely well. They even perform their songs as they exactly sound on their albums, but even better! In addition to the more upbeat vibe, the other thing that makes this version enjoyable is Andy Partridge. A sarcastic fellow whose stamina is apparently unlimited as evident from the entire concert (which you can watch here), Partridge brings out his best to optimize the zany vocals of the song to absurd levels. (NOTE: there seems to be confusion surrounding the actual title of the song; I've seen "Reel by Reel," "Reel by Real," and "Real by Reel." To resolve things once and for all, the correct title is "Real by Reel" as verified from chalkhills.org).