Live at Budokan Trial of Tears vs. BTFW Trial of Tears

[SystematicThought]

I've been listening to the two versions and they each have a cool opening jam and have different qualities that make them unique. I prefer the opening jam on the BTFW version, but I also think that version lacks the energy of the Budokan version.

My vote goes to the Budokan version because I prefer the energy and atmosphere of that version and I think it is extremely powerful. The Raining in Heaven part is also amazing on Budokan and the Fourth Wall version doesn't give me the energetic vibe during that section--I feel like MP's pace brings more to the song then the album pace from MM

Kind of a random question, but I figured it could be an interesting question and discussion.

[Fritzinger]

For me it's definitely the Budokan version. The way Mike Portnoy counts this song in is waaayyyy more awesome. And I agree, it has more energy.

[Train of Naught]

Definitely Budokan, on the streets of Boston city though.

[TAC]

I was watching the BTFW DVD today and was thinking about this exact same question. I love the BTFW version so much, but it's been awhile since I have heard the Budokan one. Will fix that.

[chaossystem]

LiveTime version!

I've ALWAYS said this is the BEST version, and I always WILL!!

Should have been INCLUDED in the POLL!!!

[TAC]

LiveTime version!

Should have been INCLUDED in the POLL!!!

Yeah it should have.


Haven't heard that in years. I pretty much stay away from that album, and most of the FII era boots.

[SystematicThought]

LiveTime version!

I've ALWAYS said this is the BEST version, and I always WILL!!

Should have been INCLUDED in the POLL!!!

When I was thinking of the question, I wasn't really thinking of COMPARING three versions of the song. I was only really looking at the most RECENT recordings of the song. To be HONEST, I actually kinda forgot about LiveTime version and haven't listened to it in years. In looking back at it, JLB kinda RUINS it for me.

[chaossystem]

I guess some of the earlier versions of a lot of DT's songs don't matter as much to a lot of (younger) people.

But I just did a quick comparison between LiveTime and Budokan, and to me James's voice sounds just as good, if not better in the LiveTime version. I also like the intro and the instrumental section on that version better.

But I DO like the look of the Budokan version in the video (DVD).

[Train of Naught]

LiveTime version!

I've ALWAYS said this is the BEST version, and I always WILL!!

Should have been INCLUDED in the POLL!!!

When I was thinking of the question, I wasn't really thinking of COMPARING three versions of the song. I was only really looking at the most RECENT recordings of the song. To be HONEST, I actually kinda forgot about LiveTime version and haven't listened to it in years. In looking back at it, JLB kinda RUINS it for me.

Can you tone it DOWN? I'm trying to RELAX here

[Fritzinger]

I have honestly never checked out the LiveTime album so much. The separation of A Change Of Seasons and cutting of songs like Learning To Live and Metropolis always bothered me.
Anyway, Budokan is still my favorite version, although I have always LOVED the FII drum sound. I think, DT have never had any better drum sound than that.

[Progressive Metal Fusion]

The Budokan version is extremely better under every point of view. In the BTFW, JP's solo is so sloppy to say the least.
Not to mention the drums: MP's drumming is more cohesive and fresh, whilst MM ones is a bit too rigid, in my opinion.

[gabeh1018]

LaB for me
combination of performance, vocals and video

on a side note, JP always has a tough time reproducing the guitar solo
Legato is definitely not one of his strong suits and this coming from a avid JP fan

[chaossystem]

LiveTime version!

I've ALWAYS said this is the BEST version, and I always WILL!!

Should have been INCLUDED in the POLL!!!

When I was thinking of the question, I wasn't really thinking of COMPARING three versions of the song. I was only really looking at the most RECENT recordings of the song. To be HONEST, I actually kinda forgot about LiveTime version and haven't listened to it in years. In looking back at it, JLB kinda RUINS it for me.

Can you tone it DOWN? I'm trying to RELAX here

Right.

Sorry about that.

Maybe I should have just told the OP that if you're going to do a poll, you should give more than two choices.

If available.

As for LiveTime: I agree about the songs that are "chopped-up" but I like all of the versions that aren't, such as Voices, PMU, LitS, among others, and I like the medley at the end, also.

[SystematicThought]

I guess some of the earlier versions of a lot of DT's songs don't matter as much to a lot of (younger) people.

But I just did a quick comparison between LiveTime and Budokan, and to me James's voice sounds just as good, if not better in the LiveTime version. I also like the intro and the instrumental section on that version better.

But I DO like the look of the Budokan version in the video (DVD).

My age has absolutely nothing to do with not noticing the LiveTime version, I just don't listen to that album much at all--Peruvian Skies and Take The Time and Ytse Jam are my favorite tracks from that album. I just never gave much attention to that live album because JLB detracts from it for me and I've never been a fan of the record.

And yeah, the DVD version for Budokan only adds to the experience.

[bosk1]

I guess some of the earlier versions of a lot of DT's songs don't matter as much to a lot of (younger) people.

But I just did a quick comparison between LiveTime and Budokan, and to me James's voice sounds just as good, if not better in the LiveTime version. I also like the intro and the instrumental section on that version better.

But I DO like the look of the Budokan version in the video (DVD).

My age has absolutely nothing to do with not noticing the LiveTime version, I just don't listen to that album much at all--Peruvian Skies and Take The Time and Ytse Jam are my favorite tracks from that album. I just never gave much attention to that live album because JLB detracts from it for me and I've never been a fan of the record.

Same here.  I have not listened to it in a LONG time, and don't really recall any specifics, other than loving that version of Peruvian Skies.  I do not recall having any issues with ToT on that set though. 

As to the poll question, I'm not sure which one I would choose.  They are both great. 

[fischermasamune]

I like the BTFW version better. Mainly because of JLB's superior singing and the keytar solo (looks cooler indeed). In the other hand, the bass even in the Youtube version of LAB is so prominent, while it is somewhat buried in the BTFW.

[BlobVanDam]

Both versions are excellent, but I gotta go with Budokan. There are parts on BTFW where the click track tempo doesn't capture the vibe, and the part in the Budokan version where the keyboard solo leads into the wasteland gives me chills every time.

[jjrock88]

I'll go with BTFW.  Both are great though and pretty even.

[Sycsa]

the part in the Budokan version where the keyboard solo leads into the wasteland gives me chills every time.

Oh yeah, I love that moment.

I easily went with BTFW. The "Hidden by disguise" section is my favorite part of the song, James nails it arguably better than in the studio version, Jordan's keyboard part leading up to it is better and more prominent than on any other version and Mangini's drumming at the end of it is just insane. They're firing on all cylinders, one of the best DT live moments, ever.

[puppyonacid]

Budokan version for me. It's only a smal lthing I guess but one of the things I love about this piece and it kinda just sets up the atmosphere and drama for me, is the way Portnoy counts it in. That high hat motif just before the bass thunders in. How Mangini left that out is beyond me. If this song had been an audition song, he wouldn't have changed that part.

[hefdaddy42]

Maybe I should have just told the OP that if you're going to do a poll, you should give more than two choices.

No you shouldn't have, because the thread isn't about "What's your favorite live version of this song?"  It is "Which is your favorite of these two versions of this song?"  Adding a third would be ridiculous.

I love both, but I will give the nod to Budokan.

[Mladen]

Breaking the fourth wall

Probably only because James pulls it off much better.

[gmillerdrake]

LiveTime version!

Should have been INCLUDED in the POLL!!!

Yeah it should have.


Haven't heard that in years. I pretty much stay away from that album, and most of the FII era boots.

Sorry about that. It's been so long since I listened to that version I totally forgot about it