Stand Back US Festival 1983

[cbBen]

Originally Posted by Macfan4life

Am I the only one that thinks the issued "touched version" of Stevie's re-recorded vocals is worse than the original? Right after the US Festival, there was a radio program that ran across many US rock stations. They could not play the entire sets of all bands but played several of their songs. For Stevie it was Outside the Rain, Stand Back, and Stop Draggin My Heart around. From the radio and being 1983 I had no idea the vocals to Stand Back were studio recorded. However, I remember thinking she sounded horrible and so nasal compared to the other songs. Many years later we all learned that the Stand Back vocals were re-recorded for release. I suppose because it was Stevie's new single they thought they were polishing it up from a live version. However IMHO this is probably the only re-recorded vocal on a live track that make the song sound worse.
What do you guys think? Is the original or touched version better?

Original live recording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTsOdx-g5fE

Re-recorded studio version for radio inserted into the US Festival coverage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcHa8D3nqio


I think the real live version is far superior. This seemed so unnecessary. It also was a first indication how her voice was declining with all that blow.

I had these songs recorded from the radio and would play them all the time. Its one of all time favorites of Outside the Rain and How Still My Love ever. Few times a song was better on her Wild Heart tour than 1981 tour IMHO. She had passion, power and not the screaching cokey vocals yet.

IMO the re-record sounds better (clearer). The original sounds beset by technical difficulties and is harder to hear (particularly evident from 4:40 to 5:15).

FWIW I've long noticed the sound on FM's 1982 Mirage video is clearer than that of their US Festival appearance of the same year.

One note: Along with Roy Bittan and Bill Payne, for this song bassist Bob Glaub is also on keyboards (see 4:55-5:25), making it a trio of keyboardists.

Here's the band for this show, which is slightly different from her Wild Heart touring band: http://www.waddywachtelinfo.com/USFest1983.html