Poll: Version Battle - What Condition My Condition

[Mike]

A return run of our version battle - this time around the focus is just on 2 versions of a much-covered song (20+ covers) that was written back in the 'summer of love' to warn about the dangers of lsd

 

 

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - I Just Dropped in to See What Condition My Condition Was In - Daptone Records

This version was originally popular over here I'd say round about 2004 via pre-release/demo type only copies that were apparently pressed up for tours etc etc. It finally got a full on pukka release in May 2005

 

Bettye LaVette - What Condition My Condition - Karen Records

Flip of her 1968 Karen 45 'Get Away' with a shortened title

 

A lot of other versions but will just put the focus on these 2 for the poll and will go for a week run

As always have a listen, make your choice and if can pass on your reasons, views, takes via the comments below...

 

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - I Just Dropped in to See What Condition My Condition Was In

 

Bettye LaVette - What Condition My Condition - Karen Records

 

[Amsterdam Russ]

Betty - hands down. I do like Sharon Jones' version, but am not so keen on the arrangement. For one thing, the drums are too high in the mix for me, and it's a feature I dislike in many 'neo soul' recordings.

In Betty's arrangement, the drums aren't prominent, and the emphasis is very much on the voice - and what a voice!

[Geeselad]

2 hours ago, Amsterdam Russ said:

Betty - hands down. I do like Sharon Jones' version, but am not so keen on the arrangement. For one thing, the drums are too high in the mix for me, and it's a feature I dislike in many 'neo soul' recordings.

In Betty's arrangement, the drums aren't prominent, and the emphasis is very much on the voice - and what a voice!

Your spot on about the drums to daptone often do it

[Woodbutcher]

Like Russ said ... 

 

[Twoshoes]

Betty for me, the whole thing comes across so much more soulful, I do like Sharon's version though but given a choice Betty every time.

[Keamus]

Betty every time

[Wicked]

Betty for me too, just love her voice.

[Stevegods]

Had the privilege of seeing both of these ladies sing this song live and although the backing of the Daptones sometimes overpower the vocals as others have said , Betty’s vocals win hands down .. easy choice .  

[Kevinkent]

Easy one for me, it has to be Betty. Unlike others I don't like both versions. The Sharon Jones is a messy arrangement and for my money would be left to languish in the 10cents bin.

- Kev

[Kathryn Magson]

Betty La Vette every time for me! 

[Hooker1951]

Betty definitely has the edge here, more raw and soulful than Sharon,s version

ML

[Mike]

looks like Bettye's is the people's choice on here so far

interesting song...

"Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" is a counterculture era song written by Mickey Newbury and, in 1968, a chart hit for The First Edition, which recorded the song in October 1967. Said to reflect the LSD experience, the song was intended to be a warning about the dangers of using the drug.[2] It was first recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis, backed by members of "The Memphis Boys", the chart-topping rhythm section at Chips Moman's American Sounds Studio in Memphis, on May 9, 1967.[3] The song appeared on Lewis' album Soul My Way, released November 1, 1967. Before Lewis' record was issued, on October 10, 1967, it was recorded by Teddy Hill & the Southern Soul as a single on Rice Records (Rice 5028 b/w "Stagger Lee") and produced by Norro Wilson.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Dropped_In_(To_See_What_Condition_My_Condition_Was_In)

 

plus Bettye's choice to cover the above also turned out to have had a noteworthy influence on her career...

read more on that here...

 

 

[Mike]

Just dropped in to say that it's all over!

Bettye's take looks like it's the clear peoples choice here in 2020

Say despite being a bit one sided it still turned out an interesting due to the comments

thanks to all those who took part x2