Introducing THB to a friend...

[Manic Street Mike]

Okay, so there's a lass at uni whom I'm rather attached to (to say the least). I've recently got her into Suede, and she knows how much I like the Manics and said she'd have to listen to them.

Knowing she likes Nine Inch Nails, THB should be pretty accessible for her. I explained the whole Richey ordeal and what the album means and she was incredibly interested. I played her Of Walking Abortion and she was in love.

My question is, which version of the full album do I play for her? UK or US? A perfect playlist?

I'm leaning towards UK; she likes grimy, angry stuff already so the roughness of the mix won't really bother her at all. Plus it's how it was originally released and heard over here so it seems right. Opinions welcome.

[tucka]

UK definitely. There's a darkness to the mix that adds to the mood and feel of the album.

[Manic Street Mike]

Originally Posted by tucka

UK definitely. There's a darkness to the mix that adds to the mood and feel of the album.

Fair shout!

[Suicide Aldi]

I made a playlist up on myipod a while ago combining the best of the two versions. It went a little like this...

1. Yes ( US mix ) - i like the extra punch the chorus has, and you can hear the words slightly better. Plus the extended outro is quite creepy sounding.
2. Ifwhiteamerica... (UK mix ) Cant beat the grainyness of this version.
3. Of walking abortion ( UK mix ) The bass has mutch more force and power in this version.
4. She is suffering - ( UK mix ) The UK mix is much more chlostraphobic )
5. Archives of pain - ( UK mix ) The guitar solo siunds waaaay better in this version.
6. Revol - ( US mix ) The rhythum guitar is much punchier and the crazy sounding lead part is reighned in a little bit making it a bit more listnable.
7. 4st 7Lb - ( UK mix) The scratchier mix seems to suite this song.
8. Mausaleum - ( US mix ) Much heavier sounding, giving it an almost grungy feel.
9. Faster - ( UK mix ) The original and best.
10. This is yesturday - ( US mix ) Less effects on the guitar, generally sounds a bit clearer.
11. Die in the summertime - (US mix ) The bass is punchier making the little licks in the chorus particularly effective.
12. The intense hummung of evil - ( UK mix ) The grainey overbearing production only adds to the stifling atmosphier.
13 PCP - ( UK mix ) Weirdly theis mix seems to sound faster, and you cant really hear the slightly unnecissary backing vocal at the end.

[Dac X Lee]

UK because it's a UK band. That's it.

[beautifuldistortion]

The UK version is the one I heard first, fell in love with and then hated for making me see the world as a bleak place, but still loved for being simply the best album ever (by any band).
So the UK one it has to be

[nocultureicons]

Play her SATT first... that way it won't matter which version of THB she hears afterward, she'll take anything to cleanse her ears of Autumnsong.

[Geranium Terrorists]

UK without a doubt. US mix is far too syrupy and effects laden. Really doesn't fit with the darkness of the lyrics and the music.

[Beej]

UK definitely. US when she loves it and decides she wants more. This Is My Truth when she, for some reason, decides she wants less.

[Manic Street Mike]

Cheers all! UK it is!

Originally Posted by Abby Grissom

This Is My Truth when she, for some reason, decides she wants less.

[UEF]

I prefer the harder edge and tighter distortion of the US version!

[darkanddivine]

UK is the "original" and while to MSP fans not the only version, it is the definitive album. I would always start with this and point in the direction of the alternative mix.