New subscriber here. I appreciate acknowledging Bob Welch and I can tell you really enjoy music with respect.

Appreciate very much the back-to-back comparison of the two versions of this beautiful song. This is such a rarity in that a group records a song to be followed by a solo version enter leaving that group. Outstanding analysis.

i was always hoping to find the two songs done in comparison ❤

It migh just be because I was born in '72, but this is the first time I've known of or heard the original with FM. I like both, iwas able to hear the lyrics clearer, but i really like Bob's later solo version due to the instrumental arrangement and as you said the better production, which could be due to newer and improved technology available at the time Bob's solo.

Thnx for the review I like the 77 Solo version better

@dennisshaper4744

3 ай бұрын

Nah.

The radio version has a much more commercial sound. I played it 2-3 times a night at KOPO in Tucson in 1977. In the days before digital tuning radio programmers tried to be the loudest station on the dial to get the listener's attention in hopes that he or she would stop at its frequency as they tuned for a station.

I prefer the solo version, sounds more polished. Heard it more on the radio as a kid growing up in the late 80s, through the 90s.

I think this has a more ethereal feel like Sara and Trouble with those vocals. Just a wonderful song.

Your take on the 72 version was spot on and definitely the better of the two. I too would have loved more vocals from Christine. A note about the LP, "Bare Trees." Bob was asked why he felt the whole album sounded bleak and blamed Danny Kirwan. He stated it was due to Danny's angst in his writing. Couldn't be farther from the truth in my opinion. Most FM fans after Peter thought this LP was their best, bleak or not. Bob could be referring to Kirwan's Dust, but the song was one of Danny's crowning achievements. A bit of jealousy perhaps? After all, this album has Kirwan written all over it.

They're both great. The second is more slow dancing at high-school sound. Very smooth and seamless.

Bob Welsh's version sounds way more keyboard forward.

The second version is lush. The doubled and reverbed vocals are far better than the dryness of the. FM band version, which also emphasized the bass range more. I also think the interlude instrumentation for the second was more appropriate. The FM version seemed to add an organ that just seemed out of place, sort of country. Lastly, the FM version followed the musical buildup of the interlude with a repeat of the low energy lines of the first verse. The second version followed with the more musically logical high energy chorus. All in all, the Welsh version is better.

The solo version is 1977 FM with Bob Welch instead of Stevie Nicks with Bob on bass instead of John. Lindsey did the arrangement and Lindsey & Christine were co-producers. The difference in those areas were the difference between 1972 and 1977 FM. Background vocals are Chris, Lindsey and Bob. Another main difference is the second was made for radio so it's a verse shorter.

Personally I like the arrangement for the solo version just a little bit better, also I like hearing more of Christine in that one.

@dennisshaper4744

3 ай бұрын

I don't like the production... Clearly too heavy.

"10cc - I'm Not In Love (1975)" do it Todd

If they had gotten Christine's part from the original into the solo version, it would have been perfect. I like them both. It's just a good song.

This is neat because it's not often that you get to compare versions that are different but with many of the same players on it. Yes, the production on the 1977 version is clearly better, but it's almost too hot. Nonetheless, there are things I like about the 1972 version, especially having the extra verse and the more interesting guitar solo. They both sound very close in tempo and key, so maybe some production whiz can make a hybrid production that emphasizes the best of both versions.

@dennisshaper4744

3 ай бұрын

I really prefer the 72 version because it has less "production".

The solo version feels much more square than the original, and sounds too glossy for me. The original feels more rooted, and I love the rhythmic offset in the chorus, where Bob comes in ahead of the beat and Christine comes in after. It drives me nuts hearing them both directly on the beat in the solo version. Can't stand it.

Though Ghost is best track please react to it, I think this is Fleetwood mac best album of all