DTTR: FD or KYE20? or how about BOTH?

[Bartek Wyre]

From what I've read here, you guys either prefer the polished-strings-n-bells-n-whistles FD version of Door to the River, or the stripped-down KYE20 version, with the more up-front sounding vocals. And we can't have it both ways, can we?

Well...

I fixed it for ya: https://youtu.be/1xbPLUyb8z4

YOU'RE WELCOME!

(Boring technical details: I've made a mashup/rework/edit of both the versions of the song in my DAW, adding most of the strings and the synths from the FD version to the KYE20 version)

[Marconi Delorian]

This is great, top job!

[Routine Builder]

Great Work!

I definitely lean towards to expansive FD version. On the DTTR version, the drums sound misplaced and over the top as they only support acoustic guitar and bass. When the synths and strings are added in, the song seems to be more balanced as the drums feed more naturally into the build-ups and crescendos. Would also love to see James do a solo acoustic version too.

[Bartek Wyre]

Originally Posted by Routine Builder

When the synths and strings are added in, the song seems to be more balanced as the drums feed more naturally into the build-ups and crescendos.

My thoughts exactly! The epic choruses just sound weak without those massive string build-ups. I've always loved this song and it's a pity it's often overlooked when Manics' best songs are discussed. To me, the melody is up there with Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" or Roy Orbison's "Crying." Thus I was very excited DTTR would get a new mix for KYE20, but maybe apart for the crispier vocals and acoustic guitar bits I've felt a little underwhelmed, hence the whole mashup idea.

[Flint]

I think a more stripped down version of DTTR could probably work really well but the KYE20 version does sound like it's the beefed up stems of the FD version, i.e. when the band were recording it they were doing so with a more built-up/heavily arranged song in mind - which then leads to the misleading crescendo build-ups you guys have mentioned. A more stripped down version recorded from scratch would probably sound more 'natural'.

Also yes - this remix/mash-up is quite lovely! Great work!!

[counterlanguage]

Thanks Bartek, I've been working out my ideal double album version of DTTR/Solidarity, your version works really well as an opening track on the headphones at work.

[Son of Stopped]

Thanks, and the orchestration was a big part. More noticeable. A perfect mix.
Maybe they named their studio after this song to inspire them to push themselves?

[UEF]

Originally Posted by Son of Stopped

Thanks, and the orchestration was a big part. More noticeable. A perfect mix.
Maybe they named their studio after this song to inspire them to push themselves?

I think more likely that it's next to a river, and has a door presumably opening out to it.

[Son of Stopped]

Originally Posted by UEF

I think more likely that it's next to a river, and has a door presumably opening out to it.

Hooray! More warped tapes to listen to when their basement floods then

[counterlanguage]

Originally Posted by UEF

I think more likely that it's next to a river, and has a door presumably opening out to it.

I remember reading it's got a good view of the Newport Transporter bridge, which is sort of a door to the River Usk.

So yes, you're right.

[Bartek Wyre]

Originally Posted by Son of Stopped

Maybe they named their studio after this song to inspire them to push themselves?

It's telling that they didn't name their studio "Motorcycle Emptiness," DTTR must have some special meaning to them after all. It's a real pity they used it as filler on their greatest hits compilation, not even releasing it as a single They really must've been fed up with chart success back then...