Posted by Mr. Ventilator on June 24, 1999 at 22:33:09:
In Reply to: Re: Studio vs. Live posted by BOBM on June 24, 1999 at 10:20:06:
: : Many Stones songs are incredible in live version. However, I believe there are two songs for which
: : the studio version is far superior to any live
: : performance. These are Monkey Man and Gimme Shelter.
: : You might stretch Wild Horses to a third one. Any
: : comments?
: And one more which is a zillion times better in the studio version is Beast of Burden.
A fine question indeed.
I don't agree with you on Gimme Shelter. The studio version is great, but the live versions from the '70s are killer. And the version on NS is very good too. I have heard them do this song a few times in concert and it has always been a high point of the show.
I agree that Monkey Man was a bit of a disappointment on the Steel Wheels tour. I thought it would be killer, but it just never took off.
On the flip side, the song which most comes alive live is Midnight Rambler. It's much better than the studio version Also Love in Vain (Taylor era only).
YCAGWYW is usually another one that's much better in concert. I have never really liked the version on Let it Bleed - too fancified with choir music. But I have a version from MSG '72 which is to die for. Keith, Mick T and Jim Price on trumpet - it's heartbreaking to hear. And when I saw them do it in '81 it was wonderful. But the versions on LYL and Flashpoint are disappointing.
Interesting that the songs I find are most superior live vs studio all come off Let it Bleed..