original or remake - WisMusic

stoney · 03-09-2007, 06:32 AM

This idea came to me this am as I was driving to work. I am hoping for active participation but let's keep it friendly.

For the most part any song that we enjoy is the version we first heard played, be it the original or a re-do. There are exceptions but for the most part I think it is the association.

I'd like to start out with a song that has had some heated discussion where I work.
I do not want to influence your thoughts by expressing mine YET.
So here goes.

The Song " Knockin' on Heaven's door"

The Original-Bob Dylan

The remake- Guns-n-Roses

You pick the version you like and a brief explanation on why.
Thank you all for your input and involvement. Together we can make this a "Forever thread"

Lightning · 03-09-2007, 08:48 AM

To be honest, I don't know that I have ever heard the original. So I guess I have to say I like the remake better. That opinion may change after I've heard the original...

TheBalance · 03-09-2007, 09:16 AM

I'll go with Bob Dylan's version. I't's more consistent. I have some difficulty in trying to follow along with the vocal stylings of Axl Rose.
I greatly enjoy Eric Clapton's version. He uses a reggae rhythm/beat.

stoney · 03-09-2007, 09:30 AM

This is awesome!!!, 2 responses in the same day and the same day as I posted the thread, very coooooooooooooool.

Thanks for responding , it made my day brighter.

I hope more posted here as well. I will give it a week before I post my thoughts.

TheBalance · 03-09-2007, 11:49 AM

We could go right down the list of original or remake.
Many of the classic rock song have been done over. Even your local garage bands come up with some really hair raising renditions of favorites. More power to them...they have to start somewhere.
Stylings, equipment, and the technical abilities of the artists come into play when an attempt is made to make a great song greater. Sometimes, an artist or performer needs to keep in mind a very simple axiom, "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT"

stoney · 03-09-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brain

We could go right down the list of original or remake.

I agree, that was my idea and why I called the the "forever thread"
So how about one a week, with the poster finishing it off with remarks and then passing onto someone else to pick two performers of a particular tune?

TheBalance · 03-09-2007, 02:08 PM

It might be confusing to some members. Many songs have been done, and covered by more than one group....for instance, "Not Fade Away"...Buddy Holly original, covered by Rush, The Rolling Stones, and The Grateful Dead. I like the original, but I really like all the improvisation the Grateful Dead did with it live
Where are the rest of the members on this forum, anyhow?
Start the thread, Stoney

stoney · 03-12-2007, 10:29 AM

There are songs and there are songs. Some you can freely do whatever you wish to enhance, make it your own, or your take on the content. Keys may change, beat may change, and lyrics may change.
A good example is Robert Johnson wrote one of the most played and recorded blues song in the history of the blues. “Sweet home Chicago” But rarely do you hear anyone use the same lyrics as he did. For one thing he had no grip on geography so the words go” I going back to the land of California, sweet home Chicago”

Bob Dylan wrote the song ‘Knockin’ on Heavens door “ for movie about Billy the Kidd and Sheriff Pat Gerrit. This song is about a guy dying he not quite dead but he is on his way. You hear the backgrounds singers as Angelic calling him, His voice is done with echo to give the illusion that he is on his way out and will not be back. The whole song is him letting his life go and leaving is worldly procession behind as he will not need them where he is going.

So enter Axle Rose who choose to sing the song like sweet child of mine. I can almost see him doing that snake dance of his. Does he even have a clue on this song, answer NONE at all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I I I I
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo I I I I

The whole thing just misses the target completely. Axle to me is trying to do an impersonation of a Robert Plant orgasmic whine. It is just not in fitting with the song.

Now Clapton was mentioned also with his reggae version. I have enjoyed Clapton’s work for a very long time and like the old graphiti says, ”Clapton is god”
He has covered more than he has been original but he is good. To his version I would say
“I shot the Clapton” He was sooooooooooo far off that song it was a crime. I saw Clapton at Alpine valley and he did not cover this song. And I was very happy he did not!!!!!!

I do not see either one of these performers adequately covering that Song!!!

Next Up

It was not originally done by Janis Joplin But I think she captured or gave the best twist to song until Melissa Etheridge coved it a few years ago on TV.

So it’s your Call
Piece of my heart
By Janis Joplin
Or
Faith Hill

Lightning · 03-19-2007, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoney

The whole thing just misses the target completely. Axle to me is trying to do an impersonation of a Robert Plant orgasmic whine. It is just not in fitting with the song.

It was not originally done by Janis Joplin But I think she captured or gave the best twist to song until Melissa Etheridge coved it a few years ago on TV.

So it’s your Call
Piece of my heart
By Janis Joplin
Or
Faith Hill

hahahahah Yeah, you're right about Axl. I never put the two together before, but you are right. Back in high school (which was when GnR was really big) I could do a really spot on impersonation of Axl Rose. This made me think about that and start laughing

Piece of my heart - I don't much like Faith Hill. Nothing against her music personally, just not my style. I've never heard her remake and by the gods I hope I never do. Janis is all kinds of awesome. I wouldn't say she was my idol, because of the alcohol and drugs, but man, what a voice.

I missed the Melissa Etheridge version too. Is it worth looking it up on iTunes or somewhere?

stoney · 03-19-2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightning

Piece of my heart - I don't much like Faith Hill. Nothing against her music personally, just not my style. I've never heard her remake and by the gods I hope I never do. Janis is all kinds of awesome. I wouldn't say she was my idol, because of the alcohol and drugs, but man, what a voice.

I missed the Melissa Etheridge version too. Is it worth looking it up on iTunes or somewhere?

Janis and Melissa captured the essence of the song, as if someone just reached down their throat and yanked out ther heart. They both get the feel of rejection yet a compulsive attraction to victimizer. And then they challange them to one more time,the virtual moth to flame routine.

Faith Hill is a very tallented person but does not demonstrate that she has a clue as what she is singing. I used to say shoot her and put her out of her misery or my misery. Believe it or not Faith Hill put that song on the country charts.

Ok I hope I am getting a little interest in this tread because I'd love to read others takes on these songs. If not it will fall into digital oblivion.

Does anyone care to post a song? Please step up.
Thank you