Alternate Versions

ALTERNATE VERSIONS: THRICE- ALL THE WORLD IS MAD

The impact live versions can have over a studio version is quite significant. Often times the studio version, while it still has the deep thought, feeling, and emotion it’s usually too compressed and the mix can make things feel strange. While the live version has a more enigmatic feel and a more raw sound.

Thrice is a band that when you see and hear live it takes things to a different level. Their studio albums have all had different vibes to them and it makes for a great listening experience. One album in particular, Beggars, took me a bit to get into when it first came out but, then seeing them live and playing a slew of songs from said album changed it all. One of those songs has always stuck in my mind and it’s quite fitting for the state of the world we live in now. “All The World Is Mad” is the first song on Beggars and fifteen years later still sounds as alive as ever.

This live version of “All The World Is Mad” is from their “farewell” tour back in 2012. It’s an electric and excellent version of an already great song. And in a personal side note, this song needs to be played live more!! Enjoy!

Thrice- All The World Is Mad (Live 2012: San Diego):

Thrice- All The World Is Mad (Album Version):

ALTERNATE VERSIONS: THE SMASHING PUMPKINS- BIRCH GROVE

It’s not a surprise to anyone that’s been reading Audioeclectica for a while that I’m a giant fan of The Smashing Pumpkins. Their catalog is one of my all time favorites and there’s always something new to discover among all the albums, b-sides, live versions and then some. During the pandemic, The Smashing Pumpkins released an album called CYR that is quite the under appreciated album in their repetoire. After countless listens and hearing a handful of these songs live, it became very apparent to me that I need to talk more about this underrated gem. One song that I really want to showcase is the song “Birch Grove.” This songs is quite a beautiful song. The version that I’m featuring was performed by Billy Corgan solo while a guest on the Howard Stern show. I love this song even more after hearing this version, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. And Happy Birthday WPC!

Birch Grove (Live On Howard Stern):





Deep Cuts: Nine Inch Nails- La Mer

My all time favorite album is The Fragile by Nine Inch Nails. It’s an absolute masterpiece and then some. Truly, it’s one of those albums that the more you listen, it always sounds impeccable. There are a batch of song I could focus on for this topic but, I thought I’d pin point one song that I’ve always had a deep admiration for and that song would be “La Mer” which can be found as Track 11 on Disc 1. “La Mer” is a really poignant song within the whole of The Fragile. The song itself was conceived during a very dark period in Trent’s life. While on stage in 2009 he disclosed that he had rented a house at the time of the making of The Fragile, on an ocean with the external intent to write some music, but in reality had contemplated suicide there. This song was the only song to come out of that time and place. He still feels strange playing it live because it serves as a reminder of this period. And each time it’s played live there is a feeling that sails from the stage to the audience that gives you chills when you least expect it. There are a few different versions of the song with each one giving you a bit of a different listening experience and vibe. I highly recommend checking the other ones out.

Nine Inch Nails- La Mer (Album Version):

La Mer (Alternate Version found on Deviations I):

La Mer (Jerome Dillon & Keith Hillebrandt Mix):