TheEnglishGent said:

I've never liked the studio version of Something In The Water but have loved each live version I've heard.

Same for me. I love the 3rdEyeGirl version from Manchester Academy 2014 (mainly cuz I was there) and the piano version he done with Cassandra O'Neal at Monteux 2013

Vicki Waiting

'A Case of U', a cover obviously, and no studio recording released until 2002, but the August 3rd 1983 First Avenue Benefit performance version (and its rehearsal) is a mesmerizing (though brief) early 1980s interpretation

.

'Anna Stesia', in any LoveSexy performance configuration. There is something unappealingly 'flat' about the mixing on the album version, and the barren FM piano patch at the begnning. In live performance, the stadium rock dynamics rival 'Purple Rain'.

.

'Days of Wild', in nearly any live performance version

.

'Do Me Baby', 1986 Hit-and-Run/Parade tour versions, with its audience participation, subdued mood, and additional spoken naughtiness (We're all alone, just you and I. . .'), although the album version will always be his most important ballad.

.

'Forever in My Life', as featured in the SOTT film

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'I Love U in Me', ~1995 live performance arrangement; perhaps not superior to the unevenly received B-Side studio version, but a refreshing take in its own right

.

'Noon Rendezvous', specifically the extended rehearsal for the 1984 Birthday Show ('Sitting in this cafe, waiting for my baby. . .'), and the actual live performance of it from that show; also, the version of it performed by Sheila's backing band 1984-85, which loosely follows the arrangement used in the 1984 Birthday Show

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'Our Destiny', 1984 Birthday Show live peformance, although we cannot affirmatively cross-compare, given what limited knowledge we have, to date, of any 'completed' studio versions. The analogue synth reverie is what sells it, and the latter studio version seems to have been all but gutted, and the pretentious orchestral strings do not compensate for, or improve on the earlier model.

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'Still Waiting', particularly the 1982 First Avenue performance where he calls out Sue Ann Carwell

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'Why U Wanna Treat Me So Bad', Controversy Tour versions

.

[Edited 11/17/16 15:13pm]

Thanks everyone who has responded. We are on a roll so far befitting Prince given his live virtuosity. Quite the range so far in songs, specific versions, and eras. Looking forward to hearing some of these that I haven't yet heard. I think I will print off this thread once it's through and save for my personal records to have some type of bucket list. I guess it will also be in the archives here .

Off the top of my head.

"Future Soul Song" - Inglewood Forum (04-22-2011). It's so much more raw and powerful. The studio version is overproduced.

"17 Days" - From 1984 Birthday Show. He sped it up and made it danceable. The whole performance is legendary but that song in particular is just perfect.

"Mutiny" - Any live version. Love the horns. Love the energy.

"Love" - Montreux 2013, Night 3. Not even that different. Just a hardcore groove from the sampler set with somebody playing bass and sax over it. Extremely cool. I dare you not to dance.

"Get Wild" - Release Date Never. A 14 minute funk jam. Just Prince having fun with the NPG.

And you could go on and on and on. Prince did some of his best work live.

Days O wild, Get wild, Endorphinmachine, How come u don't call me, Peach, Chaos and disorder, Guitar, Empty room, Purple Rain (that many live versions to choose from) , d.m.s.r

Turn Me Loose.

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Joy In Repetition, from Australia. Pure wonder.

"Head" - NYC (1981) @Ritz

how could i forget?

I like the studio version of Something in the Water. It has grown on me. But I looooove the live versions.

TheEnglishGent said:

I've never liked the studio version of Something In The Water but have loved each live version I've heard.

Two of the ones mentioned so far that I think had the hugest difference are Something in the Water and Shhh.

Two that haven't been mentioned so far that our outstanding live are

She's Always in My Hair (enjoy the guitar especially)

Avalanche - the two times I have heard it weren't markedly different than the album version but provided such an amazing and unique change of pace in the concerts that I loved it even more than the wonderful album version that was surrounded by somewhat similar songs.

[Edited 11/18/16 21:30pm]

paradise000 said:

https://youtu.be/AQI_Fb5Lay4 Just amazing! When I Lay My Hands On you, live..

That one too. It's my favorite song from 2000 on.

AMERICA!!!! (full-length promo video version)

dave1dmarx said:

I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (SOTT Tour)

Pop Life (Parade Tour Le Zenith, Paris)

Noon Rendezvous (Birthday '84)

The Continental (Act I Tour)

Future Soul Song (Le New Morning '10)

All the love on this thresd for various songs for the Birthday ' 84 concert has inspired me to get it!..

Thanks!

Saw Prince do a long 10 minute version of "Days of Wild" live in Chicago in 1998 on the Jam O the Yaer tour.

White suit, white pumps, white hat, jumping off a white baby Grand piano.

It was a Friday night and he was pissed off and swearing like a sailor. 3,000 people packed in tight and totally out of their minds.

While I remain open to it, I find it VERY difficult to believe anything in life will EVER be any funkier than THAT.

[Edited 11/20/16 8:15am]

[Edited 11/20/16 8:15am]

hardwork said:

Saw Prince do a long 10 minute version of "Days of Wild" live in Chicago in 1998 on the Jam O the Yaer tour.

White suit, white pumps, white hat, jumping off a white baby Grand piano.

It was a Friday night and he was pissed off and swearing like a sailor. 3,000 people packed in tight and totally out of their minds.

While I remain open to it, I find it VERY difficult to believe anything in life will EVER be any funkier than THAT.

[Edited 11/20/16 8:15am]

[Edited 11/20/16 8:15am]

do u remember what he said..is it recorded?

Satisfied seems more soulful and meaningful compared to the sudio version.

.

gandorb said:

jdcxc said:

gandorb said:

Two of the ones mentioned so far that I think had the hugest difference are Something in the Water and Shhh.

Two that haven't been mentioned so far that our outstanding live are

She's Always in My Hair (enjoy the guitar especially)

Avalanche - the two times I have heard it weren't markedly different than the album version but provided such an amazing and unique change of pace in the concerts that I loved it even more than the wonderful album version that was surrounded by somewhat similar songs.

[Edited 11/18/16 21:30pm]

Hearing Avalanche live blew my mind...the audible gasps in the audience as they responded to this heartbreaking song...will never forget.

I bet! It's one of his most georgeous songs ever. Which concert was this?

[Edited 11/21/16 16:31pm]

absolute best is REFLECTION ...on tavis

gandorb said:

All the love on this thread for various songs for the Birthday ' 84 concert has inspired me to get it!..

Thanks!

I got it. Wonderful from start to finish. Those who mentioned on the thread how great the versions of 17 Days, Noon Rendezvous, and Irresistable Bitch got it right. For Newer Bees like myself (6 month graduation - no longer Newbie status) and Newbies, check this concert out! There was a huge thread about it here in 2011 (20 pages until locked), and there was even a major thread on Noon Rendezvous in 2015.

[Edited 11/22/16 10:50am]

[Edited 11/22/16 17:30pm]