The 2009 version just SOARS. The band, especially Blackwell and Renato, are on absolute FIRE.

The 1986 version, while nice, just doesn't have the energy and oomph...

To answer your question, yes. But don't worry. It's ok to be unique.

[Edited 8/5/20 7:58am]

They're barely even the same song in my head. I way prefer the 1986 version but I am now and then in the mood for the 2009 one.

Now how you could say the 2009 version has more energy though, that's beyond me. It has a lot going for it but come on...

More energy and on fire? I thought the 2009 remix was like tea lounge music. And it's cool when mixing in with the album music Prince put out in 2009. But not as innovative as the 1986 version.
It move like the remixed version of ExtraLoveable.
.
For me the 1986 original is on fire. I mean it was/is so unique and fit the times and times to me.

Prefers? Probably. But both are fantastic. Can't believe we're about to hear the original in good quality at last!

yes. Thats almost like (but not quite as bad) as preferring the The Vault's Old Friends for Sale to the original.

I love both versions and I agree with the above post that they're almost two different songs, so hard to compare.

With that said, if forced to choose I'd pick the 1986 version. The reason is that the 1986 version has 1,000 times more energy and ooomph than the 2009.

I'm surprised by, and having trouble wrapping my head around, your opinion the the 2009 version is more energetic. Again, I think it's great and I love it... but more energy than the '86 version??? I don't hear it.

soladeo1 said:

The 2009 version just SOARS. The band, especially Blackwell and Renato, are on absolute FIRE.

The 1986 version, while nice, just doesn't have the energy and oomph...

You're not alone. I also prefer the 2009 version.

emesem said:

yes. Thats almost like (but not quite as bad) as preferring the The Vault's Old Friends for Sale to the original.

It's the same, I don't get why they prefer the 2009 lame version to the fire that is the original.

OldFriends4Sale said:

More energy and on fire? I thought the 2009 remix was like tea lounge music. And it's cool when mixing in with the album music Prince put out in 2009. But not as innovative as the 1986 version.
It move like the remixed version of ExtraLoveable.
.
For me the 1986 original is on fire. I mean it was/is so unique and fit the times and times to me.

It does sound like he drank a few rounds of hibiscus before singing that I love it though for what it is, he always managed to bring forth a new sensibility to his old songs whenever he re-recorded them, regardless if they're liked or not. But the original I could feel the sweat and the heart pumps, plus he sounded much happier in that version. The 2009 is a good easy listening version, but its way too slick & polished, he should've titled it "The purple Yacht remix".

for me , the 2009 version is the best, the musicianship is top notch ; i also think it would have fitted perfectly on lotusflower.

Cna someone post the lyrics to the 2009 version?

1986

[Verse 1]
Lana drew a picture in school today
One that made her mother cry
A picture of a woman with a drink in her hand
Standing by a child with no eyes
Washington reaction based upon revenge
Babies blown to kingdom come
Damn the logic
Cartoon characters look better when they're on the run

[Verse 2]
Danny dropped the dime on his girlfriend
He said he didn't wanna go to jail alone
The seed lives in the same mind
With the thought that says we all should be stoned
And people lookin' for angels in the sky
Whenever they're broken-hearted
Love is grown, seeds are sown
A fire don't burn unless it's started

[Chorus]
Did you ever feel that life was like lookin' for a penny
In a large room with no light
A sophisticated mass-produced cacophony of no-win situations
That aren't right?

[Verse 3]
Every time you wake up there's a little motherfucker
Talkin' big stuff in your face
(Are you happy?)
You only get the kind of people that open their mouth
Just to swap feet
Welcome to the rat race!


[Chorus]
Did you ever feel that life was like lookin' for a penny
In a large room with no light
A sophisticated mass-produced cacophony of no-win situations
That aren't right?

[Outro]
Oh, if you could just pass your history class
Maybe life would be alright
Until then you'll be lookin' for a penny
In a large room with no light
Yeah!
Life
In a large room with no light
In a large room with no light

Not that big on either version, but I have a slight preference for the 2009 version as well because it sounds less jarring. I'm hoping the remaster makes me appreciate the original studio version more.

1986 version is the best. It lost it's emotion in 2009.

OldFriends4Sale said:

RJOrion said:

86 version is arguably Prince's greatest unreleased song.

When I first heard it, and still, it's like I can feel/smell what the recording space was like. Like this song is infused with the energy still.

soladeo1 said:

The 2009 version just SOARS. The band, especially Blackwell and Renato, are on absolute FIRE.

The 1986 version, while nice, just doesn't have the energy and oomph...

Even as a old schooler, I agree with you.

The final mix (it's not a re-recording, as it was never released) is far more organic.

I love both, but the there is much greater warmth to the 2009 version.

Right now I prefer the '09 version but may change my mind when I finally hear the 86 version in great quality. 86 has always sounded a bit muddy to my ears on the bootlegs and I really haven't listened to it more than a handful of times over the years.

VaultCurator said:

To answer your question, yes. But don't worry. It's ok to be unique.

[Edited 8/5/20 7:58am]

Turns out the answer wasn't yes. Always tricky trying to speak for everyone.

1986 version.

OldFriends4Sale said:

The only right answer is 1986 version, but do you know what the lyrics are about?

RJOrion said:

86 version is arguably Prince's greatest unreleased song.

Indeed

soladeo1 said:

The 2009 version just SOARS. The band, especially Blackwell and Renato, are on absolute FIRE.

The 1986 version, while nice, just doesn't have the energy and oomph...

agree