Favorite version of "Empty Heart"?

[Sancho Panza]

Since there were so many bands who did it, it's hard to decide. Kenny and The Casuals did a pretty amazing version live. MC5 killed it. On wax it must've been The Mods. Bands seem to fuck up the solo a little bit, but The Mods kept it neat!

 

[ShyC]

The Mods kept it neat, and they did another version of this song (featured on Joeys "So Cold" comp, surely he can tell a few details?), which is slower, but boss nonetheless! Second best imo is

 

[Sancho Panza]

Everytime there is a harmonica present, it HAS to be good!

 

[The Plague]

Deacons, keeping it very untidy.

 

[Hicksville Hogwash]

Little Boy Blue - Tonto and the Renegades gotta be the top version by miles. Oh wait, the lyrics are suddenly different.

T?he Midniters pump out a top notch groove, as usual.

 

[legbarecords]

First Four 45 also has a great version of Otis Redding tune on the flip! Cool two-sider.

 

[depravedskippy66]

The MC5 did indeed do a fine version of this track; going back to their roots at what was pretty much the end for them.

However, for me, the original is still the greatest as it just MOVES.

 

[Sancho Panza]

I mean, MC5s version is so raw!

But the "Little Boy Blue" was actually pretty good!

 

[M.T. Wallet]

Kenny and The Casuals did a pretty amazing version live.

is it true live?

 

[Ned]

The Rolling Stones version is IT. Along with :
Little By Little
Surprise Surprise
Grown Up Wrong
They are cornerstones of the sound of most mid 1960s teen combos. They may have gone way past their expiration date, but for my cash they were the best of the well known high profile bands, They had "feel" - something some of their contemporaries never had.

Ned

 

[legbarecords]

I just clicked on the Mods link. I never heard that version. I can see why you like it. And of course this is just my opinion but, I think it is my least favorite. It does not swing. Like, at all. I appreciate that they make it their own but their arrangement sucks every bit of R&B out of the song. Even the MC5's super fast and tuff version remains R&B at the core. Just my two cents.

 

[ontheroadsouth]

I am partial to the Forth Worth area Nomads version (of "Be Nice" fame).

 

[mr. splendid]

The Mods kept it neat, and they did another version of this song (featured on Joeys "So Cold" comp, surely he can tell a few details?), which is slower, but boss nonetheless!

I also think that the ( Roseville/Sacramento ) Mods on So Cold do the best version , but there's no connection to the ( Tampa ) Mods on Knight

 

[Frantic]

I also think that the ( Roseville/Sacramento ) Mods on So Cold do the best version , but there's no connection to the ( Tampa ) Mods on Knight

I gotta agree on that one. Cool snotty vocals but if you listen close, it's got a bit of a wobbly sound, that's because the acetate that I found was bent in a few places. And while I got most of them out, there was still a bit of a waviness to it. Only one copy as far as I know and no masters. The next question is, is/can there be a bad version of this song. I think not

 

[axel]

I'm still looking for my favorite version. I want it to be as lively and swinging as the Stones' but with more punch/edge (no tremolo or whatever it is on the guitar). Harp should be in it. And a guy in the back doing ooh oohs. I'm sure it's somewhere out there.

 

[reyes]

i dont know if its mentioned already.

outcasts live recording at cafe wha? in nyc?

 

[M.T. Wallet]

Stones version, by far: jammin' band at his peak... awesome tin can guitar sound & improvised backing vocals by Keith + that churchy harp by Brian... and I can't think of many bands able to keep playing the same 4 chords for 2'30 without being boring for one second!

 

[axel]

I just remembered: The Rooks' version has it all. My favorite.

 

[legbarecords]

Just found a clip for the other Mods. Brooding and real tough. Zoomed to the top of my list. Too bad it's not one to look for. So, it was never issued at all, correct? Also just remembered the version from the Dimensions LP is pretty great.

 

[legbarecords]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB2r...Ns_8w3mgiZV-3x7JnqfWWu96&feature=results_main