Confusion '83 x Confusion '87

Tony Wilson was right: the original version is far superior, even if Barney had the flu the day he sang it.

I kinda like them both.

The 1983 version!

The 87 version is closer to the live version, so I have to go with that.

Barney vs. Hooky on bass

Can't pick right now. Too sober at the moment (See thread on Alcoholism FMI) to make a good choice. Must....drink....more.

But I am kinda-almost-psuedo-maybe-possibly leaning towards the 87 version.

The '87 version. The original isn't bad, but it's too muddy and Barney's vocals are kind of whacked. But, the video isn't bad.

Original!!

The original every time.

fookin obvious! Baker's production is top!

BAKERMAN for me............

Played the 83 version to death, so that's the one I prefer.

83 version for me but the video edit. Quite liked the 92 version though. Hated the 87 version. It didn't work IMO.

83 version..raw,hard and brutal.

however imo horrible live

B'ham Powerhouse 83 live for me

Original version. I especially enjoy the Sting impression Bernard did when he belts out "you caused me some problems, you've taken my place."

How many other bands would say "fook it, let's do it, damn the singer's cold."

I cannot think of any other song in which the singer is so ill it effects the recording.

'83 for me-- how it was imagined when it was written

The 1983 version is far superior to the 1987 mix. the remix/re-recorded version is good,but FAC 93 beats it hands down.

Does anyone take Tony Wilson seriously? The man thought Shaun Ryder was the next Yeats

83 version

Ryder was the next eddie yates

Never been a big fan of the 87 version,but did like the WWRL sample at the start.

The original version stands the test of time IMO

The original pisses on the version on substance.

It was a classic electro track which summed up the period.

I was very disapointed with the version on substance. And dont get me started on the version of temptation on it.

Originally posted by This blue-eyed boy that wants to be Does anyone take Tony Wilson seriously? The man thought Shaun Ryder was the next Yeats

Don't be silly! Bono is the next Yeats! :p

What is the big deal about the '83 version? I know that people are entitled to their own opinions, but the original version sounds so muddled. Then again, I might be biased, since I heard an "acapella" version of Confusion '83, and the vocals were horrid.

Original. There is no question about it.

The '87 version for me; I think the original's horrible.

Only heard one version - the one on Substance.

Can someone provide a link to the other one please?

I think that the original is in the Retro boxset. Otherwise, make an appeal to The Savior...(strong fooking hint, The Savior)

Funny you should should ask...my first post in NOOL was an inquiry if the orignial Confusion was available on cd.

Personally, I am annoyed with the song, especially if it is on a bootleg, I am a live Order junkie now. Too ambitious of a project, sounds like shite live most of the time. I like the lyrics but the song is all disjointed and awkward.

I like em all.

I'll have to go with the original as well, not that I dislike the later version. I suppose it's because of memories attached to the first one.

The original Baker is a right pigs ear of a mess. Too much thrown into the mix and it just doesnt work. And Barneys vocals are just embarrasing. The substance version, however, is much cleaner, focused and sounds like a song. One of the best vocal tracks Barneys has ever laid down in my book. But what is W...W...WRM at the start all about. Does anyone have the answer?

Originally posted by twist I think that the original is in the Retro boxset. Otherwise, make an appeal to The Savior...(strong fooking hint, The Savior)Funny you should should ask...my first post in NOOL was an inquiry if the orignial Confusion was available on cd.Personally, I am annoyed with the song, especially if it is on a bootleg, I am a live Order junkie now. Too ambitious of a project, sounds like shite live most of the time. I like the lyrics but the song is all disjointed and awkward.

I actually like it live, Steve going Emulator sample crazy at the end, Barney on bass, etc.

See RFH Hall '84, PFD '85

Originally posted by NO Regret The original Baker is a right pigs ear of a mess. Too much thrown into the mix and it just doesnt work. And Barneys vocals are just embarrasing. The substance version, however, is much cleaner, focused and sounds like a song. One of the best vocal tracks Barneys has ever laid down in my book. But what is W...W...WRM at the start all about. Does anyone have the answer?

I've heard it's "W... W... WRL," which was something from a radio station in NYC that they sampled for the song, which would kind of make sense, since the video was set in a club in NYC.

Maybe you are right, Aleph. Been listening to alot of gigs recently and I have to admit that they sometimes play Confusion quite well.

The totp performance which sent Confusion DOWN the charts the following week , possibly the first time it'd happened to any band

83 version for me , everyone stopped wearing raincoats in the Hac after that.:D

Originally posted by Garymac The totp performance which sent Confusion DOWN the charts the following week , possibly the first time it'd happened to any band

What happened at the TOTP performance? Did they mime it?

Originally posted by This blue-eyed boy that wants to be > Originally posted by Garymac> The totp performance which sent Confusion DOWN the charts the following week , possibly the first time it'd happened to any band

What happened at the TOTP performance? Did they mime it?

No , that was the problem , they were having an off day , traditionaly anyone playing totp , gets a higher chart placing the following week , ANYONE . Not the Order , made a bit of history .... still , that is part of their charm . Not as bad as All about Eve , they were due to mime their song , but nobody pressed the tape , they sat there for 3 minutes staring into space , then the audience clapped on cue ( instructed via cue cards ) and the band smiled in a vague way , at the time the broadcast was live ( live miming as it were )so the band were ushered off stage in a most undignified manner . It always makes those embarasing moments shows .

So they played like shit for the performance?? Did a sequencer die?

Originally posted by twist So they played like shit for the performance?? Did a sequencer die?

Maybe Barney was still sick.

'83 all the way, '87's shit

Confusion from the year I was born!

[Give the thought that I'm 23, that'll tell you what year version I like better. ]

87 is better.

Gotta be the original. Substance version is just an attempt to record the live version in the studio...

In 1984 no-one was making songs like Confusion. Brilliant (flawed) classic IMHO

of those 2 i'd go for the original.

but i prefer the live version off PFD

Never liked the Substance version, but the original has grown on me... Great guitar towards the end...

Snorri xxx

W W W R L

1987 Mix

Indeed!

I've never heard the original vocal mix, unless it was on the '93 Confusion grey 12" release, but the Confused Instrumental on Substance is my favourite New Order track. Superb creativity by Arthur Baker on it.

83

live :)

Both! I can't choose between them.