Prize Fight Lover: HCTB or BTWA version?
 

discuss. Im curious.

I can't decide. Actually both have their pros and cons. I am impressed by the new version because it does a few things right that I didn't expect. Both versions are very different.

Have to wait until I receive the US version next week

Does anyone have the HCTB version please? I originally had it but lost it when my iPod died and it's not on iTunes to redownload :( x

Have look on youtube...I think it is still on there.

I do like the new version's guitar over keyboard/pipe organ whatever it is intro and throughout. I also like Meat's new vocal, but I do still like the HCTB version.

BTWA wins it for me.

The overlap of vocals is terrible on the BTWA Version!!

Although there are a lot of good aspects on this version, it's still HCTB for me, all the way.

JFC...can't you just ENJOY something, instead of complaining about every little thing you find?

When mixing is bad and editing is bad i can, and i will. I spent so much on this record I have the right.

All these 5 star fruitless reviews are blind imo. the record has some serious problems.

Im far from the only one here who thinks this. im just the only one who will say anything publicly and get the backlash. idgaf.

Let's not argue -- it's been blissfully peaceful here these past few days. Let Chris dissect, it's okay, you can still enjoy it all, and Chris can vent about what he doesn't like. It's all cool in my book :cool:

Exactly!!!

Again, no options for Like them both for different reasons. As a poll designer you have some problems dear ;)

Precicily :-P

For me it's about power and technique. The old version of SITS (Stand in the storm for those new here or acronym deficient like myself) was my favorite, as is the old version of Prize Fight Lover.

Meat sang the older versions with power and like Meat Loaf.

The new versions are in 'new incarnation Meat Loaf' mode with the slidey vocals the seem to droop down to no sound, and then blast out a yell, and I just find that, while it does show more emotion, it doesn't hook me, but rather distracts me from the song. And actually, turns me off from listening entirely.

Also agreed about the chopping up of words on this version and mashing them, it just sounds weird.

That would break the poll...

No it would break your intention of trying to box people into a certain group.

The overlap of vocals on the BTWA version is clearly stylistic. Meat isn't that stupid ffs. I love it.

Breaking news: Anything for Love has overlapped vocal tracks so it proves Meat Loaf couldn't sing in 1993 or Steinman was a terrible producer. Poll options a) Meat Loaf couldn't sing in 1993. b) Jim Steinman is a terrible producer.
:twisted:

I like the instrumentation/arrangement of the BTWA, but the vocals of HCTB. I'll be sticking with the HCTB version in my playlist

That's me as well

I like both versions so can't vote. The BTWA version I find quite exciting since it's new and since it's on CD it's better playback quality for me.

I like both... so I can't use the poll Wario!

It's like all those times you do one of those games with your wife or your friend like "ok ok, if the house was burning down, would you save sam or piper the dog if you had to pick one", and you say "BOTH!"

The poll doesn't have the option both, and neither did my game. YOU LOSE as willy wonka would say

#thisisallinjest

I get it was obviously a stylistic choice, DUH

BUT it's not smooth, unlike in AFL and Two Out Of Three and If I Can't Have You. That's the mixing.

Also the choppy hiss on the AFL track is terrible. You can fade in and out those tracks slightly. That was lazy. And fill it with room tone

These bonus tracks couldn't have been produced by Paul

Bonus.... As in you get it for free. It's much better than what I was expecting.

It's not an excuse tho. that hiss in AFL is god awful and jarring

I haven't noticed. How are you listening to these songs, on an old Masculine jukebox? :-)

Man, I could so see Chris with an old illuminated, neon coloured jukebox from a roadside diner, the other side of the 80s. Maybe he'd go in there and order a slice or pie ... we all know how that'd end :cool:

Typical MLUKFC. Let's make fun of someone for pointing out a problem instead of discussing the problem. :roll:

Wario is right and I noticed it straight away. The panting from the vocal track has been removed, but instead of replacing it with the ambience of the room, it has been replaced with silence. Either the whole track should have been de-hissed, or another track used. It sounds very amateurish. And a waste of Imelda May's talents.

Yes it's typical of MLUKFC ;)

You mix and make music..... How do you not notice that hiss?

I can listen out for it, you're probably right. It just doesn't bother me too much. There are other problems on the album, also that you've mentioned I guess I think are more worthy of a discussion. :shrug:

there is a hiss. I don't care as I already find the AFL track useless. But I understand Wario as well. If you put it up at least put some work into it.

And it's not like the bonus songs are free either. They would if there was one album with all bonus tracks and DVD. But there are three different albums and they are more expensive (at least in the Netherlands) than the bonus free album.

So you have fans, you want them to spend the extra buck because you randomly put bonus 'gifts' on different albums, than make sure that the songs, they are spending the extra buck on, are decently produced.

Anyway, back to topic. The HCTB version for me. Which is funny. The only track of HCTB that I don's hate (or dislike - for the tender souls) is the one that never made the album :twisted:

As for the 8 bonus songs (and if I may believe some fans also the DVD), I don't think any of them are worth the trouble of buying multiple albums (unless you're a die hard collector's fan). Waste of money, imo :cool:

I just listened to this again -- and although I love the HCTB version, this one really does have some great guitar moments, and the arrangement is pretty damn cool, too. I think it needs more time to grow -- so much music in a short space of time.

I didn't notice the hiss particularly until it was pointed out...then i heard it for the opening verse and the music then pretty much covers it until the end. Then i listened to it again and i pretty much forgot it was there again.

Sometimes, once in a while,when you're mixing things or putting together videos you do accidentally miss something. It's like when you've written a book, re-read it six times, put it away for six months, come back and read it again. And the first person reads the first page and says "You missed the s". Such is life.

Really sorry you didn't like the record !! MY quote , some will love it some will hate it !!! it's the last one sorry M

I love it... You know Meat and Jim have got together again... My god as soon as I press play... I get goosebumps and it's like it was written for me... How do they do it... Great stuff Meat Jim and neverland express

Maybe you got a bad pressing !! Paul Mixed them and I don't have a hiss in my copy !! M

I do like a few songs Meat, I really do. Yes I'm critical and honest.

Love ya, regardless my opinion you and Jim should feel proud that's it's touched so many others

Chris

May I suggest this if you don't like the record , and the only thing that you could make to be a hiss is a very high violin that is playing !!

IF you don't like the record return it and get your money back !!!

This will be my last post on this site !! M

Meat you gave it everything you had. Just rise above it

This really pisses me off.

Braver was Meat's last album. Ever. Not only was it his last album but after all these years he's finally been able to put this together with Jim, something which means the world to ML and is a dream come true for the fans.

And still it gets picked apart...

For those who love the album, great. For those that don't, just respect and appreciate it for what it is, what it represents and enjoy it to the best of your ability.

Now isn't the time for dissecting every note, please just support Meat through this...I know how I feel about this journey being over, imagine how he feels...

I do respect it and also like picking apart

Asking me not to do so is impossible Luce :))

I'm the first person to encourage people posting honest and respectful reviews, and if you don't like something I certainly wouldn't expect you to lie about it...

That being said, there's an appropriate time, and in my opinion now isn't it.

When the CD releases is the perfect time so meat gets an accurate read of response. Its all part of pie.

no

Adje used the word "passion" in the other thread. I understand Wario's passion. Meat understands that regardless of what anyone thinks about the songs, the album etc that at least he is getting the passion out of everyone!

Having said that I do think we should be a bit tactful when and how we post stuff. This thread didn't need to be in General Messages in my opinion for one. How about under TTBH? GM is not for dissecting songs, more for generic messages about what is/was happening etc.

The guy is in the middle of an international promo tour two months after being hospitalized with exhaustion. He's in agony and continues the promo while the press acuse him of being drunk/stoned/had a stroke...

He's just completed his last album and is now faced with no longer being able to perform for the fans. I can't even begin to imagine how that feels.

So I respectfully disagree, now isn't the time. Perhaps a little more consideration for Meat Loaf the man rather than Meat Loaf the product.

that hadn't even occurred to me

well said Lucy

Whelp. Ima jackass. Again.

So do I. Meat is SO invested in this album, is in pain whilst he tries his hardest to give it the promotion it deserves. It is his final album, drawing a line which must be so poignant to do. This time it IS personal I think, the man cannot be separated from the work. He expects some not to like it, but the detailed picking apart must hurt, particularly given what he's said tonight. A little tenderness as well as consideration for a man who has given us so much for so long.

There seems like there may be an issue with mastering on some of the early pressings. To be fair to both Wario and Meat, they could both be right, and to be fair, if there is a problem then Meat should probably be made aware.

Alternatively, it could just be Wario being a bit of a douche!

and this is how I've felt over the years of visiting this site ... It's always been predictable ... when Meat would announce he was working on an album the speculating by some would begin... What would be on it ... what SHOULD be on it ... then the album would be released and it was predictable ... who would hate it... who would love it ... and let the battles begin ...

Well ... it's over now ... and even to the end... AFTER the end is announced... there's still some who are kicking a good man after he is down ...

Some are getting just what they deserve... You know who you are... put the hat on your head and run with it ...

The Sex God of Rock will never step foot on stage again... but the music he gave us remains ... and I treasure every single effin' note ...

He doesn't believe he will tour again. That's different to not ever performing again period.
At least I hope so anyway.

I think the best we can do now is say a prayer for his health. After all it is that which really matters.

We have had our words Caryl down the years lol, but you are spot on.
Opinion is one thing, kicking a man when hes down is another, maybe ive said that a little harshly, but some of the stuff is hurtful. Also its clear that on amazon there is some group looking to detract from Meat, every time a good post goes up it is followed by a negative.

Yes, there is much trolling of any positive reviews, including one jackass who posted somewhere on-line a really dismissive and rude review of the album and the man, and then posted on Meat's FB page a link to this, his own review, with the comment "Read this fantastic review". I note he is not a verified purchaser. The positive ones are mostly, and are keeping pace with the trolling

I don't think many posting negatives on here knew then what we all know now. They are entitled to their opinion and it is not a crime to dislike something.

We need to be careful when accusing people of being distasteful after the fact. I think there would have been a lot more tactfulness around if people were aware of what we're now aware of.

Both Meat and Jim have not been particularly public in relation to serious health issues in the recent past. That's their right also.

Well im in the business a while now, and it's possible there is a battle for chart positions at the moment, first official mid week chart tomorrow. I know Bastille are in pole position, but theres 3 others battling for the top 3 including Meat.
Hes album wasnt ment to make an impact;)

This album will burn longer than most.

Mark my words!

Fingers crossed.

Seriously!!!! agh!

Reviews are ok.. but dissecting and being harsh is not.


Just Agh... what most of the others have said!

This thread has run its course. Version comparisons can be done later imo instead of bringing this up to the top of General Messages the whole time. :lock:

They're both fine.

But what I really want to know, is what Meat is singing in the first line. I just can't make it out, and it's been bugging me for years.

It's a bend-out, burned-out, bloodhound saturday night
Under the crimson cut-throat canyon sky
Oh, the city's on fire but the hills are alive with the sound of this night, oh yeah

According to a Google search ...

It's a bend-out, burned-out, bloodhound saturday night

Thanks, but I'm 99% sure that all versions available online match the transcription I did when it first came out. I was hoping that a native speaker might tell me I'm completely wrong.

The album is out and as a product and piece of art I think its perfectly fine and interesting to read all opinions about all aspects of the recording/production.

thank you.

The BTWA version of the song is growing on me.

I'm starting to like parts of it a lot more than the original.

It may end up being my most favorite. Can I update my poll answer once I decide? :twisted:

Ha, that happened for you too, huh? :cool:

It's mostly how Meat ends a line. Listen to the "explode" part and compare. That happens a lot in the new version, the vocal delivery is really top notch and I ask myself when it might have been recorded. Also the weeping guitar is a plus, in contrast to a really great melodic solo on the original - both are fantastic.

Yeah I feel the raw energy the original had as a demo is matched equally in this finalized version by the top notch vocal quality, emotional energy, enunciation, and of course the wonderful musical accompaniment.

I love it. Mind you, I love all your albums. No sycophancy. Not just saying it. This new one can sit proudly with all the others on the shelf. Now, if we could just get all the b sides and rare tracks on one album....