Love this feature! Love it even more when I'm on vacation :)
To the countdown:
5) Collide
I liked this one. Faithful to the vibe of the original, but doesn't sound like a cheap copy. That synthy industrial-ish arrangement just isn't my preference.
4) The Damned
I also liked this one. It's a more straightforward rock arrangement which totally works. My main quibble would be that their vocals just dont quite hold up for me. When they're harmonizing on the "Feed Your head" part . . . errrrrrrr
3) Emiliana Torrini
A+ for maximizing everything about this version. It starts slower and softer, and ends bigger and bolder. It's the "goes to 11" version. In what will be a recurring theme, I just like Grace's singing better than all of the extra production on this version.
1b) Patti Smith
I dont know how she makes the song even starker and trippier but she does it. I think its the best arrangement of the bunch. But . . .
1a) Jefferson Airplane
At the end of the day I think Grace's powerhouse vocals put this one over the top.
I have been fascinated by this song since I first saw it in the film Platoon when I was 14. A local Bristol band, Oslo Twins do a great live version of this but have not recorded it. I actually like all of these versions but I don’t think you can beat the original. Emiliana Torrini comes a close second for me because it most closely emulates Jefferson Airplane.
Some great alternate versions. While I don't believe anyone will ever supercede the original, I think all of the versions you mention are quite good. In particular I liked Collide (shades of Art of Noise). Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway have a great version as well. Catch the 2023 single on Spotify or feed your head by watching this great performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlVvM3VKuEk
So, so many good versions of this one! I know you want to keep it to 5, but I've always liked George Benson's take on it. On paper, a jazz guitarist doing a Flamenco-y instrumental version sounds like a bad idea, but it really works nicely.
I have more than five versions on my liked list, so I always love the suggestions, Kevin. I'll have a listen, though I admit I'm not much of a jazz listener. Maybe it will open up some more listens for me!
Love this feature! Love it even more when I'm on vacation :)
To the countdown:
5) Collide
I liked this one. Faithful to the vibe of the original, but doesn't sound like a cheap copy. That synthy industrial-ish arrangement just isn't my preference.
4) The Damned
I also liked this one. It's a more straightforward rock arrangement which totally works. My main quibble would be that their vocals just dont quite hold up for me. When they're harmonizing on the "Feed Your head" part . . . errrrrrrr
3) Emiliana Torrini
A+ for maximizing everything about this version. It starts slower and softer, and ends bigger and bolder. It's the "goes to 11" version. In what will be a recurring theme, I just like Grace's singing better than all of the extra production on this version.
1b) Patti Smith
I dont know how she makes the song even starker and trippier but she does it. I think its the best arrangement of the bunch. But . . .
1a) Jefferson Airplane
At the end of the day I think Grace's powerhouse vocals put this one over the top.
First, THANKS for reading and commenting while on vacation. That’s awesome.
Second, I’m glad you found some enjoyable listens amongst the five versions!
This is the "back from the trip but not back to work yet" phase of my vacation. Quality time with the dog and the record collection. 😎
I have been fascinated by this song since I first saw it in the film Platoon when I was 14. A local Bristol band, Oslo Twins do a great live version of this but have not recorded it. I actually like all of these versions but I don’t think you can beat the original. Emiliana Torrini comes a close second for me because it most closely emulates Jefferson Airplane.
Thanks for chiming in, Lou. Happy I managed to hit a song that resonates with you this week!
I always listen with interest, even when they don’t resonate. Appreciate all that you do, Mallie!
Some great alternate versions. While I don't believe anyone will ever supercede the original, I think all of the versions you mention are quite good. In particular I liked Collide (shades of Art of Noise). Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway have a great version as well. Catch the 2023 single on Spotify or feed your head by watching this great performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlVvM3VKuEk
LOL... down the rabbit hole, The Cave Dwellers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd7D2iXHnWs
So, so many good versions of this one! I know you want to keep it to 5, but I've always liked George Benson's take on it. On paper, a jazz guitarist doing a Flamenco-y instrumental version sounds like a bad idea, but it really works nicely.
https://open.spotify.com/track/0K2OELwNYA4ap2aJi4YcZo?si=f8b981a0f087454a
I have more than five versions on my liked list, so I always love the suggestions, Kevin. I'll have a listen, though I admit I'm not much of a jazz listener. Maybe it will open up some more listens for me!
I hope you like it! I’m not always much of a jazz listener, either, but this is a bit off the norm.
Patti Smith is my favorite on this list!
I also really like Gillian Welch's version https://gillianwelch.bandcamp.com/track/white-rabbit-live-on-fresh-air
Thanks for sharing. I try to keep the lists to five options, so I can’t always share all my favorite covers!