Demos and Acoustic Versions

[Smartly Pretty]

I'm a big fan of early demos of songs I like, and acoustic versions and other stuff like that, and I figured most other people liked this kind of thing to. So I thought maybe we could exchange and link to cool demos. This is one I like a lot, it's Boy's Don't Cry.

http://www.tullycraftnation.com/mp3s/boys_dont_cry_demo.mp3

 

[HarleyQuinn]

I've always loved live acoustic versions of songs, especially thanks to the Blues solo performances from the 20's-50's, so I'll be a sucker for this thread. There's just an innate level of intimacy and raw, realism that goes with an acoustic performance.

Cranberries - Linger from MTV's Most Wanted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkJbcN8n9kQ

Meredith Brooks - Bitch from 1997's Satellite Backhaul Pre-Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zso8WThwwso

Blind Melon - No Rain from 1993's MTV's Most Wanted UK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe52EN3czZk

 

[Baby Shoes]

https://youtu.be/KZ3qChwjp_k

 

[HarleyQuinn]

Speaking of hits being done acoustically plus a few interesting early Demo variations of well known songs.

Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks on My103.9 Session
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSHVbnawVOc

Eminem - Lose Yourself Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpnmusENHRI

Korn - Blind Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSl3jw_3RcY

Andrew W.K. - Party Hard Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EGhCJoHwm8

 

[HarleyQuinn]

There's some really solid Demos out there that are (IMO) better than the released tracks. Bumping this thread after learning that Alanis Morisette's "Hand In My Pocket" was the Demo version thrown onto the album + the majority of the tracks were virtually Demo version releases outside of a couple songs on that Jagged Little Pill album.

PJ Harvey - Rid of Me - Really love the panned vocals effect going on.

Spice Girls - Love Thing - Just seems so much more 'raw' especially the vocals. I also like the R&B vibe it has much more than the album version. The album is very dance-pop in comparison. Very... 60s Girl Group in a lot of ways just thrown into the 90s. "Wannabe" always struck me as closer to the LT Demo in tone/vibe.

Green Day - Basket Case - Very punky sounding, especially the drums.

Green Day - Basket Case (Art of Ears Demo 12/27/1992)

Recorded at Art of Ears studio by Andy Ernst December 1992

www.youtube.com

Beach Boys - Surfin' - From 1961. Impressive how fast they were all singing in this demo.

The Beach Boys-"Surfin" Acoustic Demo 1961

The Beach Boys recorded this acoustic demo on September 15, 1961.No copyright implied-For entertainment only.

www.youtube.com

 

[Valeyard]

Superior.

 

[Valeyard]

Evil.

 

[HarleyQuinn]

Get yer PUNK on ya mouth breathers...

The Clash - London Calling ~ Very dour version that's an interesting contrast to the well-known version.

The Buzzcocks - What Do I Get ~ I like that it feels rawer with far less emphasis on the vocals and the guitar & bass get to have greater prominence

No Doubt - I'm Just A Girl ~ All about that bass being beefed up along with the rawer drums and even Gwen's vocals lack that shined polish. Also it's much faster and Ska Punkish.

No Doubt - "Just a Girl" Demo Version

An unreleased early demo version of No Doubt's "Just a Girl". Gwen Stefani's vocals seem untouched in the final take but the instruments slightly vary in som...

www.youtube.com

 

[Valeyard]

This is so fucking weird. It's a power struggle, almost. Townshend is really limited as it is and a total dick. Lou's just Lou. Seeing them both try to dictate the pace in their own styles is just jarring. Mutual sandbagging, Townshend trying to dominate on guitar, Lou just doing what he'd do anyway (which is not Townshend by far). The end where they look at each other with that "Alright motherfucker, I see you" look is pretty good, though.