You have to choose one. (No "all of the above" answers here.) If you choose b or c, and have heard both, state why you choose b over c, or c over b.

a.) the version on "graffiti bridge"
b.) the version on "one nite alone live" (cut/dubbed/soundboard version from the world in nyc, april 10, 2002.)
c.) the uncut live version from the world in nyc, april 10, 2002.
d.) the soundcheck version in nyc at avery fisher hall, april 9, 2002.
e.) joy in repetition #1 (alternate outtake)
f.) joy in repetition #2 (alternate outtake)
g.) different version

i choose c. i'll give up the soundboard quality anyday for a couple extra guitar solos & the mistake. heheh... and for those like laura that wanna trip... if prince made all of them available to purchase, i, and many others would even though we already have them... anyways...

E - I just love that Linn Drum intro - was really glad when it showed up on the Graffiti Bridge soundtrack, but SO dissapointed when I heard how he'd segued it. It took away some of its charm.

But yeah - E...

the one with the lone intro is the best!

g. atlanta soundcheck wednesday april 3, 2002 because i was front row center at atlanta symphony hall about 10 feet away. it was a similar version to the nyc 4/10/02 with long blistering guitar solo, but because i was there, it had an immediacy that you can't get from a recording.

if i had to pick a recording from your list, i'd probably go with a. just for the original unchanged lyrics.

suomynona said:

I think I might have to agree with you. It's either C or F, cuz I do dig that longer outtake version too. Sweet!

G! The version he did on the MTV Emancipation Special back in... I think it was November of 1996.

I have that performance on tape and I cannot stop watching it!!!

E - The original with the lone linn drum intro is by far the best version of Joy In Repetition. should know

joyinrepetition said:

Co-SIIIGN!

suomynona said:

um,on the ONALive! version there is nothing edited out.
just that part where P's mucked up lyrics r changed & the lil synth that comes up here or there.

i reckon the one from the PP gig of,i think 1996.

its wild.

but it only comes 2nd to the ONALive! version.
a lil synth bit added wins over an audience recording 4 me.

Joshy84au said:

it's missing an entire guitar solo...

The version in Hamamatsu is simply amazing...

joyinrepetition said:

Yeah, when I said I had a tie, I meant it with this version in mind, only I didn't know which one was Alternate Version 1 or 2!

RedZRyder said:

EXACTLY!!! you read my mind.

glazegirl said:

I LOVE this version!!! Along with The War, this is the best thing Kirky J has done. Why this wasn't a regular tour addition in 1196-1999 I don't know.

I'd have to go with the original, G.B. version. It's the original, the standard. Even P's solos from, say, the ONA...L and Emancipation versions take their cues from that original solo.

The mystique was there, the closest thing I've heard to an musical haze from P. The delayed keyboards, the bluesy jazz guitar and melodic bass, the neat percussion, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SNARE, the fact that he probably went into the session going:

Hmmm, I oughtta do a song that out-Carloses Carlos. A latin blues ballad. I'll solo like crazy and make the wrong notes work by bending them back into the key and I'll sing real high. Maybe about that girl I met in the club, you know... the one who knew only 2 words..."