Okay, so I finally listened to/watched NIN's original version of "Hurt"

[SeattleGirl]

Not bad at all, but I have to say, I prefer Johnny's version of it, hands down. Maybe it's because I'm a big Johnny Cash fan; maybe it's because his version is more poignant. Don't know, but I love his version.

[fizzgig]

1. i like the johnny cash version

but i prefer the nin version, but that might have to do with the memories i have associated with that song

:hi:

[SeattleGirl]

2. True, that.

For me, I grew up listening to Johnny, because of my dad. And, dad played guitar, and sang a lot of Cash's songs, so yeah, there is definitely a memory association going on with me.

[enigmatic]

3. Cash owns that song

Everything about his version is perfect; Rick Rubin's sparse production, Johnny's cracked grain voice, the one-note pounding piano riff that gives the song so much power, and of course the video, which is in the top 10 of all-time.

[SeattleGirl]

4. Agreed, e.

The first time I saw that video, I cried. It still affects me greatly.

[VenusRising]

5. The great thing is

The song is poignant either way. It's the extreme dichotomy of the two styles that allows people to relate on different levels.

That's such a great song, and I can't think of two performers that would capture the mood of the lyrics as well in such starkly different ways.

[SeattleGirl]

6. How true, VR.

I don't dislike NIN's version at all; but Cash's version speaks to me at a deep level. And I know that NIN's version speaks the same to others.

[VenusRising]

7. I love that I have a choice depending on my mood.

I'm so picky about cover songs. It should either be just like the original or so different that it becomes a new song.

I really think Cash accomplished that in spades. I was so impressed by it that I honestly can't pick a favorite.

I know. I'm a wuss. :eyes:

[SeattleGirl]

8. You are so NOT a wuss!

I'm the same; depending on my mood, there are different types of music, and different artists doign the same song, that I want to listen to.

[VenusRising]

10. Whew!

That was a close one. :rofl:

I like the mood to set my music, even though that sounds backward.

[SeattleGirl]

12. Oh, I'm the same way.

If I'm feeling good, I don't want to listen to any "downer" music; conversely, if I'm feeling down, please don't play me any happy songs!

[VenusRising]

13. I almost strangled my best friend once.

Well, not really.

I have battled depression for a good part of my life. When I would get into a dark mood I would put Enya or Sarah McLachlan on repeat in my CD player. One day, I was feeling blue, and my best friend walked in and proceeded to tell me that the reason I felt depressed all the time was because of the sad and whiny music. She changed the CD to some god-awful dance track. It took everything in my power not to get up and strangle her.

I know her heart was in the right place, but don't mess with my music when I'm using it as therapy.

[SeattleGirl]

14. Exactly, VR.

Sometimes, I think it is a good thing to allow oneself to "wallow", as it were, in order to get out of whatever dark place we may find ourselves in.

[VenusRising]

16. Isn't it amazing that music has the power

to do that? I'm awed by it sometimes.

[SKKY]

9. You know, being a HUGE NIN fan, I'm gonna have to agree with you...

Probably for the same reason I like Dolly Parton's version of "I will always love you" much more than Whitney Houston's. In Dolly Parton's version, you can actually feel her pain. In Whitney's, it's just her and her voice, while, although she sings it technically better than Dolly, doesn't draw any emotion for me.

[SeattleGirl]

11. That's exactly it, ALS.

I prefer Dolly's version of the song, though I think that Whitney has an incredible voice.

But Dolly really brings emotion to that song, as does Johnny to "Hurt".

[Elidor]

15. I only heard NIN's version once, but it was pretty bleak

There didn't seem to be any melody. The guitar on Johnny's version anchors the song better.

[SeattleGirl]

17. I think so too.

Johnny's version is the better of the two, IMHO.

[Danger Mouse]

18. I prefer the NiN version, myself.

Because I relate to it on a personal level. Trent's hurt is different from Johnny's hurt...and Trent's is one I can relate to a lot more. The NiN version is bleak, because that is how it is supposed to be...bleak, empty...facing the void and the darkness and seeing only the tiniest glimmer of light.

[SPKrazy]

21. Johnny's is dead

facing life without his love

it is empty, bleak, facing the void and feeling only loss and pain.

then you die, like he did :shrug:

they are both good versions, I relate to the idea of loss, in a different way, but to loss. I feel more in touch with losing people, and losing life in a sense.

I hurt myself today, just to see if i could feel...

it's a very gut wrenching song anyway one looks at it.

For Johnny fans it has to mean something a little different on the personal level too I guess.

[guitar man]

19. I like Kermit's version best

:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVYTabWaSHI

[hippiechick]

22. That IS too kewl ...

:applause:

[Inchworm]

23. Thanks for the smile!

LOL .. Kermie owns!

:hi:

[SarahB]

26. OMG!

:wow:

[SPKrazy]

20. Johnny! Johnny!

NIN version is good, very different feel to it too.

:hi: Sis!

:hug:

[Inchworm]

24. If I'm not mistaken

The NiN dude is who wrote the song? So Johnny (and now Kermit) covered it? or not.

I like all 3 depending on my mood. Emotional empty void of NiN, emotional regretful pain of Cash, or reflective tragic comedy of Kermit, its all good.

"I wear my crown of shit," being said by Kermit the frog... priceless.

:hi:

[SPKrazy]

27. Johnny Covered It Yes

but I think that even NIN has said that Johnny owned it when he did it because it is soooo Johnny

but now I'm thinking that Kermit owns it!

:hi:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

25. Yep, Cash had the better version.

Though NIN's was excellent in its own way.

[siouxsiecreamcheese]

28. I prefer the NIN album version

rather than the video which is live. Sounds more "breathy" on the album if you ask me.., buy I do like Cash's also.