The Smiley Smile Message Board

Just a quick thought of a thread before work. I'll definitely post more when I have the time.

What are some of the tracks that are relegated to being bonus tracks that you find just as good, if not better than songs in the official running order of a particular album?

For me, two just off of the top of my head would be the "I'm Feelin' Sad" from No Pier Pressure. Not only do I find the entirety of the song amazing and impactful, but for me, personally, it feels much more Brian Wilson than "The Last Song." I know a lot of people love that song, but I've never been a fan, at least not from Brian. It sounds much more in tune with a Dennis or Bruce song. And, to be honest, the lyrics feel kind of forced into addressing the then-ongoing Beach Boys' drama.

The other would be "Let It All Evolve" from Tears For Fears' most recent album The Tipping Point. I can't say that it should necessarily replace anything on the album, other than maaayyybbeee the closing track, "Stay," but I even like that one quite a bit. I haven't really thought about where in the cycle it would make the most sense to go, but its just such a great song that I feel it deserves better than to just be a bonus track.

Interesting topic, pm. The bonus track (actually a combination of bonus tracks) that comes straight to my mind is "Can't Wait Too Long" on the SS/WH twofer.  I couldn't believe my ears the first time I heard it -- it was like a whole new world opening up. I say combination of tracks, because its predecessor is the a cappella "Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring" and the contrast couldn't be greater, from that song's intimate chamber setting to the musical equivalent of a tropical landscape.   

Yep. That's gotta be the bonus track of all bonus tracks.

The compilation that comes to my mind is of course "Brother re-issued : Proposed bonus track" with original mixes (Sound of free, awake, ...), alternate versions of 70' tracks.
Better sound, according some fans, than recent boxsets.

The remaster of Paul Simon's One Trick Poney features an earlier version of 'How The Heart Approaches What It Yearns' called 'Spiral Highway' which I find to be a far better song.

Though a find every track on Stevie Nicks' wonderful solo album Bella Donna to be a flawless gem, I  have just as much love for the tracks that didn't make the cut, like 'Blue Lamp', 'Gold and Braid', 'Julia', 'Belle Fluer', 'If You Were My Love' and especially 'Sleeping Angel' to be as good as anything on the album, and in some cases better.

Paul McCartney & Idris Elba - Long Tailed Winter Bird

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=_qlFIsyTaDo&feature=share

This one was a bonus track off of McCartney's recent McCartney III Reimagined compilation.  It appeared on the Target exclusive vinyl and they eventually released it digitally as a single.  I didn't even know Elba dabbled in music but this reggae-tinged reworking of the song is quite catchy.

The Groom's Still Waiting at the Altar - Bob Dylan. Originally the b-side to Heart of Mine; added to later editions of Shot of Love.