Different Versions of the Same Song

[richlevy]

A few weeks ago I picked up a used copy of 'Songs in the Key of X', an X-Files tribute album. On it was "Red Right Hand" by NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS.

Last week I picked up a used copy of the Scream II soundtrack. It had the same song by the same group.

Listening to them, I was struck by how different the two versions were. It almost appeared as if they were done by two different groups.

Usually, when the same artist has two significantly different versions its because -

1) S/He purposely creates an unplugged version to concentrate on melody and lyrics.

2) The concert version cannot duplicate the effects of the studio version.

3) Years later the artist reinvents the song to reflect a new vision.

None of these cases appear to be true. My guess is that the movie required the song to be toned down for use in the soundtrack. The X-Files version is more dramatic.

Of course the only way to see which is closer to the original would be to listen to the original version.

BTYW, I recommend the X-Files album for anyone who likes odd music. One track titled "Star Me Kitten" which is actually F**K Me Kitten, is a poem about Marlene Dietrich by William S. Burroughs with music by R.E.M. It's the most unusual thing I've heard in a while.