SickthingsUK

Hypothetically lets say Alice decides to re-record some of his past music for a new album. What are some songs you would be interested in hearing alternate versions of? These could be versions with different instrumentation, altered lyrics, remixes, a genre swap, whatever. Not just songs that you don't like, but maybe songs that you like that might sound interesting in a new form.


My picks:

I Never Wrote Those Songs: I'd be interested in hearing a version with only piano and vocals. The music and production on this song are top notch, but the lyrics are very lonely sounding to me. I think a stripped down version might work.

Ubangi Stomp: I don't hate Alice's version but it doesn't stack up to the Warren Smith original. What hurts it, imo, is that it's missing a strong rockabilly guitar sound. If Carl Perkins or James Burton had been a guest guitarist on this track it would have been very good.

You Gotta Dance: The disco thing fits perfectly for the story of GTH, but I just don't care for disco. How about a version that keeps the disco beat but sounds a bit more metal? A style similar to Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer."

Man of the Year: Good song. I prefer the live version where Alice sings in his own voice instead of emulating the voice of the guy from Green Day. A studio version sung like that would be great.

I'll Bite Your Face Off: A great song live, but I'm not crazy about the studio version. I'd like to hear a version that was much closer to Neal Smith's "Evil Voodoo Moon."

Wrapped in Silk: I think this could have been a great rock song. It just needs better production and a lead guitarist who can play a decent solo.

Woman Machine: I wonder how this one would have sounded as an epic album closing instrumental. Stretch it out by giving all of the band members a chance to show off a bit.

He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask): I'd like to hear a studio version played like the modern live performances.

Don't Talk Old to Me: A fast-paced angry punk version.



So what are your choices?

Fresh Blood
Always wondered what this might sound like if they played it live with the three guitar line up. So I'd want it re-recorded with guitars taking over most / all of the key, synth parts or whatever, with a view to it being able to be recreated on stage.

Like your thinking Lordcatfish. I like Dada but think a couple of other songs could do with a kick up the backside to give them a more raw edge eg Scarlett and Sheba & Enough's Enough.

Mr. Misdemeanor wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:08 pm

Ubangi Stomp: I don't hate Alice's version but it doesn't stack up to the Warren Smith original. What hurts it, imo, is that it's missing a strong rockabilly guitar sound. If Carl Perkins or James Burton had been a guest guitarist on this track it would have been very good.

One version was bad enough. How could anyone want a new version?
I'd managed to almost wash it from my memory... so thanks for bring it back again

Detroit City 2043
Detroit City, but in the style of Brutal Planet / Dragontown, with lyrics based on the original Robocop film (which was set in Detroit, possibly in the year 2043).

I'm only half serious with that one.

I'd like to hear the entire Constrictor album played with a real drummer and the bass turned up.

lordcatfish wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 12, 2023 8:26 am

Detroit City 2043
Detroit City, but in the style of Brutal Planet / Dragontown, with lyrics based on the original Robocop film (which was set in Detroit, possibly in the year 2043).

I'm only half serious with that one.

Me and Murphy were hangin' with the piggies and worrin' 'bout ED-209
Dougy and Nash were stealin' all the cash
while Joe let the bullets fly
Dick was in his tower, Clarence had the power
Are cyborgs even really alive?
Guns pop non-stop, turn you into RoboCop
Give your brain a new hard drive


Shooting loud and fast
Make that pistol blast
Still can't remember your past

Well I was born there
I think I died there
and was reborn there
Detroit City
I can't feel my heart beat
Am I just dead meat?
It's your move, creep.

White-collar blue-collar crime, blood and squalor
I'd buy that for a dollar
Detroit City

Corporate greed, bitches leave
Dead or alive, you're coming with me
Detroit City

While Heaven Wept wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 12, 2023 3:27 pm

I'd like to hear the entire Constrictor album played with a real drummer and the bass turned up.

Good call. Special Forces could use a bass boost too.

Si wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 12, 2023 12:54 am

One version was bad enough. How could anyone want a new version?
I'd managed to almost wash it from my memory... so thanks for bring it back again

It's (almost) good! lol. Some real old fashioned rockabilly guitar and some changes in the production are all the song really needed. Alice sings it well.

Mr. Misdemeanor wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 12, 2023 3:53 pm

Me and Murphy were hangin' with the piggies and worrin' 'bout ED-209
Dougy and Nash were stealin' all the cash
while Joe let the bullets fly
Dick was in his tower, Clarence had the power
Are cyborgs even really alive?
Guns pop non-stop, turn you into RoboCop
Give your brain a new hard drive

Shooting loud and fast
Make that pistol blast
Still can't remember your past

Well I was born there
I think I died there
and was reborn there
Detroit City
I can't feel my heart beat
Am I just dead meat?
It's your move, creep.

White-collar blue-collar crime, blood and squalor
I'd buy that for a dollar
Detroit City

Corporate greed, bitches leave
Dead or alive, you're coming with me
Detroit City

Haha, that's great. Now I'm disappointed this will never happen.

One version was bad enough. How could anyone want a new version?
I'd managed to almost wash it from my memory... so thanks for bring it back again

hahaha you and me both!

I would like to hear along came a spider album recorded by a competent producer (Bob ezrin please!) and with an actual band to rework the songs so they are better.

"Give it Up"-A heavier version.

You Look Good in Rags: The gun cocking noises and "rags rags rags" section are inexcusable additions to a song that never would be a top 10 hit but was probably good enough to get some mainstream rock airplay. It would still need to be remixed, too.

Mr. Misdemeanor wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 02, 2023 4:45 pm

You Look Good in Rags: The gun cocking noises and "rags rags rags" section are inexcusable additions to a song that never would be a top 10 hit but was probably good enough to get some mainstream rock airplay. It would still need to be remixed, too.

It was a big hit for Blondie.

Reflected. I think it had the makings of a hit.

pitkin88 wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 02, 2023 9:45 pm

Mr. Misdemeanor wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 02, 2023 4:45 pm

You Look Good in Rags: The gun cocking noises and "rags rags rags" section are inexcusable additions to a song that never would be a top 10 hit but was probably good enough to get some mainstream rock airplay. It would still need to be remixed, too.

It was a big hit for Blondie.

Never noticed the similarity to "Atomic." Learn something new everyday.

Most of Coopers stuff is well recorded (thanks Bob). Maybe Return of the spiders. It has the Coop vibe, but just seems like a lost song

forglasgowonly wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 02, 2023 11:36 pm

Most of Coopers stuff is well recorded (thanks Bob). Maybe Return of the spiders. It has the Coop vibe, but just seems like a lost song

Agreed.

Si wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 12, 2023 12:54 am

Mr. Misdemeanor wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:08 pm

Ubangi Stomp: I don't hate Alice's version but it doesn't stack up to the Warren Smith original. What hurts it, imo, is that it's missing a strong rockabilly guitar sound. If Carl Perkins or James Burton had been a guest guitarist on this track it would have been very good.

One version was bad enough. How could anyone want a new version?
I'd managed to almost wash it from my memory... so thanks for bring it back again

Haha Si.

Me personally, Prettiest Cop On The Block unplugged. Been wanting this for a while now.

Zorro's Ascent

Generally I’m not interested in artists revisiting their past glories but I did find the acoustic interpretations on that mini audible biography a nice touch and most of the songs worked really well.