Just been watching my Biggest Bang DVD, and couldn't believe how well "Rain Fall Down" comes up live... I really like the song anyway (particularly that killer chord change where Mick sings "...and the phone kept ringin'...") but the live version is something else! So which Stones songs take on a new lease of life in the live arena?
I agree with Midnight Rambler, it always bores me a bit on LIB, but it's incredible played live! I generally also prefer live versions of Before they make me run, Honky Tonk Women, Satisfaction and especially She's so cold, which is always a highlight in the live set imho.
It's quite the contrary with "Rocks off". There's something in the album version they never ever match in live versions.
I remember a version of MR from the last ten years, forgot what city/tour, where Woody is playing the slide part just like the original version,and it really impressed me.
A lot of songs are better live then on the record IMO but that's just normal if you are a freaking good live band like the stones. Just some that come to mind:
When the Whip Comes Down Respectable Out of Control Saint of Me Midnight Rambler Satisfaction
probably many others but i can't think og them at the moment.
The divergence of opinions always makes these kinda topics interesting. No-one's right or wrong, there's just opinions...
Always thought Saint Of Me was a great studio track with the potential to be great live, but the rendition on No Security was a bit weak and lacklustre. HTW to be honest bores me to tears as a live number (how do you beat that great cowbell intro on the studio cut). Start Me Up is another warhorse that to me sounds tired- the Stones IMHO have never been able to imbue it with the snap and groove of the studio cut. And I think MR as mentioned is probably the ultimate example of a studio cut which bursts to life when played live. Just awesome!
Ive always loved to death 72,73 Gimme Shelter - it can never repeat the same ominous feeling of the original but as a live rock tune...Keith hacking away on rhythm and Taylor providing those beautiful soloing..woo!
Also i really like 1981 Under My Thumb. I like how the band play that really cool extended intro and then Jagger makes his entrance. Just really really moving
Midnight Rambler, 1969 Satisfaction when they bloozed it up, MT era Dead Flowers, When the Whip Comes Down in 1978
"Midnight Rambler" "Love In Vain" "Street Fighting Man" (all as evidenced by "Ya-Yas")
"Bitch" sounded pretty strong on "Phila. Special"
"It's Only Rock'n'Roll" works so much better onstage than it ever did on the album.
For me, the 1981 "Under My Thumb" blows away the studio version.
Lots and lots of performances of "Honky Tonk Women" beat the original--though I haven't heard any since '89-'90.
"Love Is Strong" always benefited from Mick's onstage harp playing. Went over well in the Garden in '06.
"Out Of Control" is one of the greatest live moments ever. And yes, people who had never heard it were going "what the hell was THAT?!"
"Everybody Needs Somebody To Love" and "That's How Strong My Love Is" were incredible during the theatre gigs of '02. Jagger's just getting better at the soul singing.
Midnight Rambler Sympathy (Ya Ya's) Out of Control Start me Up (If it's the opener) That's How Strong My Love is Happy (Mick n Keef at the mike) Love in Vain Under my Thumb - 81 Let's Spend the night together - 81
Midnight Rambler and Out of Control I assume you mean live recordings because when you are at the show, most sound better, but they don't hold up when you listen to a live recording. the 2 I mentioned do. (I am sure there are others, these are just the first 2 to come to mind.)
Midnight Rambler Sympathy For The Devil Satisfaction Saint Of Me Tumbling Dice Street Fighintg Man Out Of Control Worried About You Gimme Shelter Miss You Just My Imagination (not a Stones song, but their version of course)
I was very surprised how well Streets of Love came over live...much much better than the recording..saw them do this at Cardiff last year, and, I will admit I groaned inwardly when it started, but was blown away by not only the sound, and Mick'singing, but also by the positive crowd reaction to it.
The same thing can be said about 'out of control'.The whole song and presentation of it on the babylon tour was a killer...always forward to that one for individual attention on the BTB DVD.