Acoustic Always Seems Better

For reasons unknown to me, any kind of music that is re-recorded or played with acoustic instruments always seems better to me.  Maybe for the fact that the music can be more calm and smooth, or just easier to listen to.  Whatever the reason, I enjoy acoustic music.  On a side note, but somewhat on topic, I also like any kind of music that is re-recorded with an orchestra.  Close to acoustic, I guess.

With some of my earlier posts like, Myles Kennedy, Hallelujah and Kenny Wayne and the Family, I spoke about some songs re-done acoustically, or in those cases, played live acoustically.  No need for over-powering speakers and flashy stage lights, just music.  But for that same reason, when recording acoustically, each instrument can enhance the flavor of their original concepts.  The vocal lines can add more dynamics and pitch changes since the instruments underneath are played more loosely then originally intended.  Then the instruments underneath can add lines to the middle of phrases, where before were filled with effects.  But in the end, that’s what make acoustic songs good.  They’re just like the originals, but the sounds and feel of the songs are new.

This is way I can’t wait for the newest release from Within Temptation.  If you don’t know anything about them, you can read my introduction post called The Temptation Within.  Their new album, called An Acoustic Night At The Theatre, which will be released on November 2nd, is a collaboration of songs played live acoustically from their latest tour.  Basically a greatest hits album done live, the 12-song album also adds a new song to their catalog.

As for other bands who regularly release re-recorded acoustic versions of their original songs, there is always a highlight to re-ignite the once popular songs.  But instead of trying to bring those songs, poorly phrased, back from the dead, I think it just solidifies songs as the greatest hits from that band.  It’s a way to honor those fan favorites and immortalize them.  So if you know of any songs that were re-recorded acoustically, let me know and I’ll check them out.  But I’ll leave you with the newest song from Within Temptation (featuring Chris Jones), and their acoustic version of “Utopia.”