It’s another late night here. I can’t say that today was good day for Ol’ Swap and I suppose I can’t sleep because I keep replaying the events over and over in my head. Nobody likes bad days… they seem to last forever and in the end they generally to amount to nothing.
But tomorrow is another day and I get another stab at it. I guess that’s all we can ever ask for.
Anyhow, while I was mellowing out before bed, my iPod (set on shuffle) played this acoustic version of “Soft Shock” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I had forgotten how much I not only enjoy this song but the album it’s off of, It’s Blitz!. This record was nominated for a Best Alternative Album Grammy and made it to many a “best of 2009″ lists and for good reason. I was initially hesitant on listening to it because I felt that they had changed their sound too much, but in the end it came down to the fact that there are some excellent songs there, “Soft Shock” included.
I must admit that I don’t know which version I like better. My guess is that I prefer the acoustic performance because of the mood I’m currently in… ask me another day and I’ll tell you the album version destroys the acoustic one. “Soft Shock” is a beautiful song, however you play it.
Take a listen below and let me know which one you favor. While you’re at it, I’d be most interested to know which you prefer in general – acoustic or electric. I do understand that it all depends on your mood, but surely one outweighs the other? For the past few years I’ve chosen the acoustic version because I feel the true song appears that way… which makes me wonder why I can’t decide between these two versions of “Soft Shock.”
Maybe because they’re both good… sometimes I should just enjoy the music and stop making things so complicated.
Your Dig-It Downloads:
Download: Soft Shock (original version)
Download: Soft Shock (acoustic)
Popularity: 3% [?]
Of course it depends on your mood but I think in general I prefer acoustic. It is so raw and stripped down and there is something so emotional about it that you don't quite get with a full version. When I went to Nashville on a regular basis I often went just to see a friend of mine perform in acoustic writer rounds and those were some of the best times I had listening to live music.
With regards to “Soft Shock” I prefer the acoustic version as well.
Musically: I like the electric.
But to hear the lyrics and get a better sense of what the writer's up to: acoustic.
I agree… acoustic is raw and stripped and often times more emotional. I don't know how the actual artists feel about it… that'd be an interesting question to ask.
From what i understand, most of It's Blitz! wasn't written acoustically, but started with drum loops and then layer upon layer of stuff was added. LIke I said above, I wonder which version the artists prefer. I think most artists love doing their songs acoustically because it IS so revealing.