Song Comparison Thread

[NikolaiI]

This thread belongs sort of half-way between Forum Games and Movies, Music, TV:

It is simple, just take two versions of a song you like by two bands you like, and then have a discussion over which is better. Can't do mini-polls that I know of...

I'll start with John Barleycorn, by Pentangle and Jethro Tull both.


Pentangle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0qbNe2OJZc&feature=related

Jethro Tull:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5JlomGz9PQ&feature=PlayList&p=DFF51A4518088809&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6

Lyrics:
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/j/jethro+tull/john+barleycorn_20071207.html

[sprinks]

I prefer the folky rhythm of the first one, because I think it fits the lyrics of the song better (what with all the farming references and all). However the second version is much closer to the stuff I listen to (though I do have some very folk and folk inspired music in my playlists! :p) so I immediately have a bias to liking that one. But overall I think the first one is better, mostly based on it has a much nicer rhythm and more feeling in the song. Though I think the second one has a feeling of nostalgia and sadness because it sounds more like a ballad, whereas the first one seems quite happy, because of the way it's sung.

(also I have no idea if I'm using the right terminology, so if I say rhythm and it's something else I apologise, I'm just trying to explain my thought process :lol:)

[NikolaiI]

I prefer the folky rhythm of the first one, because I think it fits the lyrics of the song better (what with all the farming references and all). However the second version is much closer to the stuff I listen to (though I do have some very folk and folk inspired music in my playlists! :p) so I immediately have a bias to liking that one. But overall I think the first one is better, mostly based on it has a much nicer rhythm and more feeling in the song. Though I think the second one has a feeling of nostalgia and sadness because it sounds more like a ballad, whereas the first one seems quite happy, because of the way it's sung.

(also I have no idea if I'm using the right terminology, so if I say rhythm and it's something else I apologise, I'm just trying to explain my thought process :lol:)

I agree with you that the Pentangle version is better. Tull is great but in this case I think Pentangle outdoes them by a lot. No shame in that, though...

I have reasons for saying that -- their instruments and voices make a wonderful sound as usual -- but I wonder if attention span isn't part of it. :p

I think, as you say, their music seems to fit the lyrics better.


I am not very good at this thread though... I just heard the other one to compare again and I am not sure again... lol