Better Version Of WatchTower ? PJ OR DMB ?

pjsteelerfan

Hard to compare, DMB has played it tons of times, and play a slower version. PJ ha played less than 10, and play it much faster. And their is no one in DMB anywhere near as good as Mike for the fast version. I personally like the faster version.

freealcibiades

I always wondered why Pearl Jam didn't opt to record a more interesting Dylan song, particularly when just about everyone covers Watchtower. Between Pearl Jam and DMB's version - DMB's is much more interesting musically as he changes the time signature and vocal melodies. Pearl Jam's version is fairly straightforward, save for a more energetic feel.

Why not record "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" or better yet "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall"?

rebornFixer

freealcibiades wrote:

I always wondered why Pearl Jam didn't opt to record a more interesting Dylan song, particularly when just about everyone covers Watchtower. Between Pearl Jam and DMB's version - DMB's is much more interesting musically as he changes the time signature and vocal melodies. Pearl Jam's version is fairly straightforward, save for a more energetic feel.

Why not record "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" or better yet "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall"?

PJ's cover tunes tend to be straightforward and (enjoyably) sloppy. They aren't known for producing huge DMB-style revamps. I am cool with this, personally.

Aliveguy1

I will weigh in - Most cover songs that Pearl Jam does, I think their version is superior to any other cover and the original.

Watchtower is a rare exception. I think Dave Matthews does the best cover of this song I've ever heard and Pearl Jam's doesn't really compare in my opinion. It's still cool to hear but not as good as Dave's.

freealcibiades

reborncareerist wrote:

PJ's cover tunes tend to be straightforward and (enjoyably) sloppy. They aren't known for producing huge DMB-style revamps. I am cool with this, personally.

While this is true, the songs they cover tend to be more obscure and Pearl Jam brings new life to them while not reinventing the wheel. Watchtower is about as cliche a cover as you can get. While I appreciate their version, their song choice in this instance is lackluster; particularly in the face of a catalogue as deep as Dylan's. So it's clear, I'm referring to the studio recording.

Umbertotamba

Two different versions but both are great... I love the build up behind DMB's take on it, and I like the energy the PJ puts into it...

They're take on it are like your children, you love both the same amount but in a different way!!

freealcibiades

Umbertotamba wrote:

Two different versions but both are great... I love the build up behind DMB's take on it, and I like the energy the PJ puts into it...

They're take on it are like your children, you love both the same amount but in a different way!!

That's pretty hilarious. Hehe.

TKD

giventoflyjbs wrote:

I like PJ's version, but everyone who immediately dismisses the DMB version should seek out a copy of their 1995 show at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC. Trey from Phish and John Popper joined them onstage for Watchtower and it was unbelievably good. I don't listen to DMB anymore, but I can still listen to that song.

this man knows what he's talking about

EddiesMuse

mjb wrote:

Ed killed it with Ben Harper on guitar in LAII at the Wiltern

That is definitely the best version!!

BinGnarly

Dave Matthews Band. No question. Its intense.

PJBuckeye

mjb wrote:

Is this a joke?

I think so, I nearly pissed myself when I saw this thread.

However, PJ's version is the third best version I have heard.

Jesika537

Aliveguy1 wrote:

I think Dave Matthews does the best cover of this song I've ever heard

Have you ever heard the Grateful Dead do it??? The best .

Ledbetterman10

Josh10376 wrote:

SSIA. Discuss.

No. You're not the fucking teacher.

This is my internet message board pet-peeve: people who start a thread in which they pose a question in the thread title...they say "discuss"....but they never give their own opinion on the subject. They just tell us to discuss it.

Tell me which version of Watchtower YOU like better Josh10376 and then I'll tell you which one I like. And what the heck does "SSIA" mean anyway?

ledbetterman4pearljam

I dig U2's version on Rattle and Hum.

Yellow Bedwetter

U2 Sucks

meme

this is a funny thread

LukinFan

why would someone post this here and expect someone to say Dave?

Ledbetterman10

LukinFan wrote:

why would someone post this here and expect someone to say Dave?

Because Dave's version is very good and non-biased people might think that it's actually better than Pearl Jam's. While PJ's Watchtower is awesome to experience live, I think Dave's arrangement is much cooler.

Jammin909

Pearl Jam's version is very similar that of U2's version. It's upbeat none climatic and just OK. I would rather see both bands sing their own songs.

The Dave Matthews version is very very good. It's groovy and just all around better. I would rather here DMB sing Watchtower over a lot of their own songs.

rebornFixer

LukinFan wrote:

why would someone post this here and expect someone to say Dave?

Actually, the thread has turned into a bit of a DMB whackfest.