August and Everything After is a wonderfully perfect record; from beginning to end it’s incredibly beautiful and moving. This song especially, it brings me to tears every time, as it transports me to a time in my life where similar things were happening and it was always so hard to make anyone else understand. But Adam gets it. This is a terrific version, too.
I believe that’s the first time I’ve heard the complete story. I always thought the girl from Australia was ‘Elizabeth or Betsy’. The Greek island was Corfu btw.
Fortunately for me this is the version of the song I know best. But unfortunately I cannot sing along to other versions. You’re right about the cadence. Fucking great song nun the less!
Completely disagree. But I guess it depends what you like about live performances. I don't go along / watch to sing the songs myself, or hear the crowd doing so. What I love is seeing the group perform it, and what I love about Counting Crows live shows is seeing the passion put in to the performances - and a big part of that is the different lyrics / tones that Adam adds that can change the tone of the song. Each performance can have subtle differences that make me think 'wow, that line really hits home in a way it hasn't before', etc. Just a couple out of the many possible examples: I much prefer the way Rain King usually ends live with the 'so why don't you come in out of the rain' rather than the album version with the yell. But it's good to have both options. And I love the live addition to Miami with the 'what would you do?' interlude. I now really miss that on the album version. I also love some live shows where he goes up at the end of the word 'Miami'.
I totally get it!! I purchased the cassette tape in the 90's while in my 20's (I know!!!) But anyhoo, I've met Adam several times since then, but I still love the song! August and everything after is my favorite album!) 2022 and I'm still growing up to this song!
@@philh5292 I go to hear the song performed the way it is on the album. I dont want an artistic interpretation I want whats on my cd. But thats just me
If you want to hear an incredible live version you should listen to their _"MTV Most Wanted MPG"_ rendition. The weird thing is, he can hit all the darn notes on stage, but it's almost like he's bored with his own lyrics, thinks _"Eh, this is kinda hard. Talking is fun. Changing the words is fun. Let's just sing the easy coffee shop open poetry mic night version for half a verse." and just takes it really, really easy. I'm sure he is a very deep dude, obviously a gifted voice and incredible writer, but I think he may be a bit on the lazy side ;^) .
when i was young i liked that he messes up with the melody, now it bothers so much i tilt every time i try to listen again, these live versions sound all like bastard covers from dumb fan bands. the one i hate the most, more than this one, must be Round Here, one song i d like to my funeral if i wasnt scared my loved ones would pick a random live version that really has little to do with the August one
the way I look at it is each version serves a different purpose. I like how in this live version at 7:20 "I'm not ready for this sort of thing" is such an emotional high point. it doesn't do that on the album. feels much more powerful here. sometimes I'm in the mood for one or the other. that's the beauty of the same song sung so many different ways. makes you feel differently each time. the album version is always there for you to go back to
Adam does not understand that a song's melody is indeed the vocal line. When you relentlessly, consistently, and militantly improvise the vocal melody you are disrespecting the song. Yeah, he wrote it so he can do what he wants but he does NOT improve the song. Instead he frustrates the listener endlessly. Counting Crows is NOT a good live band because of this habit.
I prefer the studio version. Saw them in concert. They opened for the Stones and he did the same thing. Over sang everything and nothing was like the album where the crowd could sing along. Was very disappointed but love his music. I hate to accuse anyone but I've seen artist change once the got on the h and that's what it was like.
@@thediseaseisthecure Completely agree. I don't go along / watch just to sing the songs myself, or hear the crowd doing so. What I love is seeing the group perform it, and what I love about Counting Crows live shows is seeing the passion put in to the performances - and a big part of that is the different lyrics / tones that Adam adds that can change the tone of the song. Just a few out of the many possible examples: I absolutely love the acoustic versions of songs like Mr Jones and Have You Seen Me Lately as they did them on Storytellers, etc, just as much as the album versions so it's great to hear either. I prefer the way Rain King usually ends live with the 'so why don't you come in out of the rain' rather than the album version with the yell. And I love the live addition to Miami with the 'what would you do?' interlude. I now really miss that on the album version.
