Quote:
Originally Posted by vivfox
Maybe this is the reason why I'm not fond of The Dance album(with the exception of Silver springs). The last thing I ever want to hear in a live setting is a note for note studio sounding song. I love the live versions where each track takes on a new life of its own.
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I'm fully on board with those sentiments. Take for example the song Gypsy. If you had to select one representative live version (say, to put on a dream compilation live box set like Tom Petty did), would you choose the more refined version from The Dance (b-side), or the 1982 Mirage tour version, which is gritty, raw and has so much more power and emotion, with less instruments?
That's why I'm on the fence about all the backup musicians that a lot of groups bring on tour. It adds a lot to songs as much as it takes away the elements of nuance and edge. The performances become more rote, with little room for improvisation and variance.