I love the original demo version without the background singers and horns. Prince should release more music like this in its "raw form" since his guitar is often overshadowed by his production.

i like the one without the singers too.

The one from the Dream Factory sessions is the one for me.
I don`t know when the organ and the horns were added - maybe sometime during the year 86? Can someone clarify? But this is the one i like the most, although the one without the overdubs is very cool too.
I really don`t like the remake - the groove isn`t very strong, it sounds a bit dull to me.

Anxiety said:

ditto.

I know 2 versions. One that is more drummachiney synthy and rock guitarish in almost an industrial way. And that other one that is more live and funky and has the Sly-ish singers... yo I have to go with the latter.

Not a big an of the "rock" based version. I much prefer the funk driven version that starts out with...

This is the story of 2 childhood sweethearts
Inseparable 'til one broke the other one's heart

Although I will never be able to listen to this song again, without hearing: "I am a jehovah's witness..." ever since EverlastingNow sang it that way. Thanks EverlastingNow.

Rock version, with backing vox and horns

different strokes for different folx

i like em alll

the remake is good, but i prefer the demo

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

You're welcome!!! The rock based one for me no contest!!!!!

The rock version definitely. The wah wah guitar sound on this version is just so raw I love it. Crazy why it remains unreleased.

The dance version does it best for me. Altough I would like to like the bluesy rock version the most, but damnit I just can't resist a good ass-shaking drive.

DarrenMawbey said:

I'm with you on this one.

In many ways, the raw "unfinished" Dream Factory version was the track that finally convinced my ex-girlfriend, Hendrix worshipper and a fan of rock guitar, that Prince could in fact compete with the very best out there. "Pity it didn't last longer!" was her only complaint.

The "finished" version was overembroidered with unnecessary overdubs which detracted from the menacing vibe of the original demo. Less would have definitely been more on this ocassion.

As for the 1986 "electronic" version of "Witness 4 The Prosecution" perhaps Prince should have written a different song and given it a different title because that version was a travesty and a waste of sudio time.

.

The version with the horns is WAY better than the version without IMO. It is funky and smooth. I always prefer this type of funk over the computerized, synthesized stuff

Novabreaker said:

If you can't resist a good ass-shaking "drive" then listen to "The Max"

.

THE ORIGINAL VERSION, without horns, etc.

Actually I like both.

I think the first (i.e. Dream Factory version) is a better song, but this track is great for illustratiing how Prince's music evolved during that time period of 86/87.

The later version has much in common with the stripped down sound of the Black Album, Lovesexy, and the later projects - Rave Un2 and Batman.

The earlier version represents the Revolution, and is borne out of Parade and ATWIAD (Temptation, Anotherloverholenyohead).

I love to hear both, because I love both neighbouring eras.

giotto said:

You think I already haven't?