Which Version Of "The Chain' Do You Like The Best?

[darklinensuit]

I love the Mirage version:

- the look in Stevie's eyes & her dancing
- the pace
- Lindsey's lapdog yipping before the chorus
- the photo montage

The only thing The Dance version had for it was the suspense at the beginning - You see them in the shadows, and you've been waiting for this reunion for YEARS.

And somebody, Write me a love song.

- Jake

[WelshWitchPMD]

MIRAGE... No contest.

[golden braid]

The Mirage version. I love when Stevie does all of her "ahhhhhhs." That's my favorite part.

[The Chain]

Originally posted by golden braid
... I love when Stevie does all of her "ahhhhhhs." That's my favorite part.

AWSOME So I'm not in the minority on liking these too?

[macmar71]

Since it was the first time I ever heard the song I have to vote for the Mirage One. It has such energy from all ends of the band, Lindsey's Guitar work, John's Bass work, Lindsey's Vocals and Shouts, Stevie's Long Rasps, and Christine's Lush Harmonies. An awesome mix!

[mylittledemon]

Love the Rumours, Mirage and The Dance versions all the best. I like Rumours because I love those "old" Fleetwood Mac harmonies. I love the bass solo to the end.

I like the Mirage version for the spontenaeity of it all. However the guitar solo at the end is a little boring once Lindsey steps back to the drum kit.

My favorite, is the the Dance version. I love the guitar work. It's impeccable. The vocals are Ok and I like the abrupt ending.

[DownOnRodeo]

I didn't notice the OOTC option until after I hastily voted for the Mirage video version! The OOTC version I have is so different again, I'd like to make a vote in favour of it. It's a great take on it!

[Johnny Stew]

"The Chain" is just a fantastic song, period. You really can't go wrong with any version... but for me, the 'Mirage' video version is tops. Followed closely by the 'Dance' version.

What does everyone think of Stevie's solo take on it, from the September 18th, 1994, House Of Blues radio show (bootlegged as 'Welcome To My World')?
I thought her solo band did a great job of it, but as with Lindsey's solo versions on the 'OotC' tour, I think it lacks a certain fire when it's done outside of Fleetwood Mac.

[WelshWitchPMD]

There is a really good one that I have from Japan 1977 that I like but it's not my favorite. That's the Mirage concert version. Stevie also did a version of The Chain at her 1994 House of Blues concert. Its not the best version but its not bad.

[golden braid]

What does everyone think of Stevie's solo take on it, from the September 18th, 1994, House Of Blues radio show (bootlegged as 'Welcome To My World')

Stevie's version is pretty good but it will never compare to Fleetwood Mac's version. I miss Lindsey's vocals on it.

[Neal]

I voted for the Mirage version (of course!) butthe Tango version is a really close second. It doesnt appear to be very popular at all, but I personally love Rick's guitar, and I think the song always sounds better with the guitar 'outro' as opposed to that ubrupt stop a la The Dance...

[jmn3]

Originally posted by Neal
I voted for the Mirage version (of course!) butthe Tango version is a really close second. It doesnt appear to be very popular at all, but I personally love Rick's guitar, and I think the song always sounds better with the guitar 'outro' as opposed to that ubrupt stop a la The Dance...

I found the Tango and BTM era versions to be uninspired and bland. I don't know what it is, but I hate the Billy-Rick versions of GYOW and The Chain. On the other hand, I love that era's take on Oh Well. Much better than Linds IMO.

Mirage VIDEO is the definitive version of The Chain. Frankly, I love every song on that video. There isn't one bad seed on the whole thing.

[jamesRainbowBoy]

The "Mirage" version of "The Chain" would've been better if:

a) Stevie and Lindsey hadn't been showing off in front of each other, making themselves look so ridiculous

and

b) Stevie had kept in tune!!!

I agree that it is definitely an energetic (if not particularly tuneful) version, and I love the long intro. However I think the "The Dance" version is better...

James

[stevierocks87]

[i]
The only thing The Dance version had for it was the suspense at the beginning - You see them in the shadows, and you've been waiting for this reunion for YEARS.
- Jake [/B]

I know EXACTLY what your talking about- the intro the The Dance is just incredible, especially when "Fleetwood Mac- The Dance" flashes on the screen and you see Stevie doing that pose with her tamberine.

But the Mirage version is definitely the best. The intensity is UNREAL, you can just feel all that bottled up negative emotion exploding out in this song. Stevie's howls are just awesome- she holds that first one out for like 10 seconds- no one could do that like her.

I'm not crazy about Stevie's version- it's definitely not the best. Who is that singing at the end? Not that great.

adam

[Gazza]

I like Lindsey's solo version of it on the OOTC tour right up until he decides not to do the screaming part of the guitar solo.

But the Mirage video is definitely the best I've heard, for vocals and playing. Especially that bit where Stevie and Lindsey are looking at each other as he sings/screams "you do not love me now!" and she returns the line.

I've heard a couple of Rumours tour performances though, and Lindsey sings like a maniac on them and it rocks! Tusk tour as well actually.

And Stevie and Lindsey showing off, or trying to out-do each other is the Mac at their best live imo... Some of the looks on Lindseys face when they do Blue Letter are hilarious. He looks totally disgusted with Stevie, or someone.

Also, had Lindsey played the solo of Go Your Own Way a little more like The Dance version, on the mirage video, then that would be my fave version of that as well. I love the way the solo starts as Stevies still singing "Another lonely daaaaaaaaay!!!"