I haven't had a chance to listen to the official release version yet, but it seems to me a lot of publications (Especially Pitchfork) are making it a point to get in exactly in what ways they thought the bootleg version was better.

I'm wondering what you all think about the contrast between the two versions. I think the bootleg version had some major issues with it. It had a few very good songs but it also had a few that just came off as awkward.

Contrary to Pitchfork philosophy, inaccessibility is not always synonymous with quality. I'll say what I think of the release version a little later today when I listen to it. I certainly see some points in the bootleg version where a little more accessibility would have improved the listenability considerably.

Edit: Okay, now that I've *heard* the release version, it seems to me like all the songs have been made more When The Pawn-like. The songs that needed more on the bootleg got what they needed but some of the songs that were already good seem a bit too tamed.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bobthespirit,

I can't give a good read because I've only heard a bit from both versions, enjoying both to some degrees. I wasn't able to give a song-by-song comparison.

But I'm a big Jon Brion fan (have been since I heard the Grays played on late-night radio when I was a teen), and I've always like the feel he brings to albums, and is a great songwriter on his own. I agree with the fact that his version of Extraordinary Machine had some problems that the new disc fixed, but I'm still miffed a bit solely because I feel like one of my musical heroes got stepped on.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobthespirit:
Contrary to Pitchfork philosophy, inaccessibility is not always synonymous with quality.

Are you sure you're not thinking of the Wire?

jon brion's version of not about love is a lot better than the official one

i think they are both worthy of attention. different and maybe difficult to weigh against...
i enjoy both attributing the brion version a little more intimacy and the release version funloving...

Bobthespirit,
earlier you said that fiona's 2005 would come 21st on your personal "chart"..
so i was wondering: how many cds have you bought that year? 'course maybe i've bought more than 20 cds in 2005 myself but they're not all 2005!!!

I didn't think either were very astounding actually. I preferred the raw version though, which would be the bootleg. 'Not About Love' was quite beautiful on that version.

"Not About Love" was incredible on the Jon Brion version and very weak on the official release, in my opinion. In general, I think the bootleg album was much better, and "Used To Love Him" was an extraordinary machine in itself. But you've got to remember that the Jon Brion mix that was leaked wasn't finished. What Ms. Apple really needs to do is get that version done properly, and then we could really have fun comparing.
Please check out another post I just started on her in this section also...

I have both and in my opinion, the leaked versions are wholly better than the studio release.

I was thinking about this again earlier, and I reckon maybe Red, Red, Red is the only one that fares better on the 2005, official release. It's got a drifting, Twin Peaks thing going on.
I wonder is there a thread on Twin Peaks. Maybe I'll check out the TV section, pour la premiere fois...

Who doesn't love Fiona?!!***
I personally, and hate to admit it, prefer the bootleg version over the official release.
She is a very talented woman who I hope will continue for many years to come!

Gloria S.
Los Angeles Limos
Los Angeles Vacation Package

Heh, old topic.

Love the bootleg, was my first introduction to Fiona, listened to it so many times. Maybe couldn't give the official release a fair hearing after that, but found it too lifeless in comparison. Bought the CD to make it all legitimate, but it's only the bootleg that I listen to still.

Been a few years now, wonder when we'll next be seeing something from her....