"Waves of Love" - CD and Downloadable Versions Completely Different

[Jim V.]

Am I the only one that thinks the "prominent Carl" version sounds like the demo? That version has Al singing way out of his range. It sounds like it was recorded at a soundcheck, and therefore is the demo.

Whereas the version on the CD is lower key and is better produced with better harmonies. Could somebody find the official word on which is which?

[HeyJude]

Am I the only one that thinks the "prominent Carl" version sounds like the demo? That version has Al singing way out of his range. It sounds like it was recorded at a soundcheck, and therefore is the demo.

Whereas the version on the CD is lower key and is better produced with better harmonies. Could somebody find the official word on which is which?

It’s true, I don’t think anybody knows for sure which version is which or what circumstances surround the different versions. Nobody including Al has apparently even commented on the discrepancy between these two versions.

Yes, the “download” version is in a higher key. But everything about the “download” versions sounds more “produced.” The lead vocal is more upfront and dry, the drums and guitars more punchy, and so on. The CD version to me sounds much more like a band doing a song in a concert hall at a soundcheck. The “download” version sounds much more like a latter-day studio creation.

I’m 99.9% certain the “download” version is the later, “fully produced” versions, because Matt Jardine reported late last year that he had recorded more vocals for the song, and he sounds much more prominent on the “download” version.

I’m 99.9999999999% certain what we hear on the “download” version is not a 1994 soundcheck performance.

[MaxL]

I have the CD and I'm not entirely sure which version I'm hearing (although I have detected the differences mentioned in this thread). In the liner notes it does mention the song (or at least part) was recorded backstage at Merv Griffin's Resort but is that just Carl's vocal?

Colour me confused but not altogether bothered, it's a nice, catchy tune.

[Paulos]

The download version of Waves Of Love clocks in at 03:51, the 'alternate version' which appears to have been mistakenly pressed onto a limited run of CDs clocks in at 03:34 - this is the version which sounds more like a demo.

[MaxL]

The download version of Waves Of Love clocks in at 03:51, the 'alternate version' which appears to have been mistakenly pressed onto a limited run of CDs clocks in at 03:34 - this is the version which sounds more like a demo.

Ok well the version I have on CD is the latter, not heard the download version but unless it's a much more heavily produced version I gotta say the 3:34 one sounds pretty complete to me. Maybe a few more listens are in order.

[The Shift]

Cd version sounds to me like it almost date from as far back as 76, but for weird box that sound auto tuned.

The download version is, to these ears, superior, better finished, win a rounded out melody.

The CD version seems to have mismatched overdubs - the sound quality is all over the place.

Have been listening to he CD version quite a bit today and I've come to be even more impressed by it than I was before.

[Nathan Snyder]

Am I the only one that thinks the "prominent Carl" version sounds like the demo? That version has Al singing way out of his range. It sounds like it was recorded at a soundcheck, and therefore is the demo.

Whereas the version on the CD is lower key and is better produced with better harmonies. Could somebody find the official word on which is which?

I have the CD (on top of the original download and CD-R) and the new itunes download of Waves of Love and I agree with your assessment!  I might prefer the new version (2012 download) but I also believe the new CD version sounds more complete in the harmonies/arrangement/etc, that is, of course, underneath the synthesized typical beach boys 80's/early 90's sound.  I think Carl's more prominent vocal on the chorus of the download was never intended to be so 'naked' and fits comfortably in the CD version surrounded by other vocal lines/harmonies.  Again, I do still prefer the newly recorded version.  I just wish a little more harmonies and instrumental ramps in the chorus were used on the new version.  Just my 2 cents.

[thetojo]

No-one noticed that all three versions are available on CD if you get the Japanese CD release [which has 2 of them]?

[HeyJude]

No-one noticed that all three versions are available on CD if you get the Japanese CD release [which has 2 of them]?

The Japanese CD release has the "download" version as well as a very slightly alternate mix of that same "download" version (main difference being Al's vocal being removed from the bit after the quick little guitar "solo", making it a longer instrumental passage). The Japanese CD is indeed the only way to get the "Download" version in CD quality.