Fables of the Deconstruction: The dB's Edition

During Fables of the Deconstruction, we take a listen to a demo or early recording and put it up against the final version to gauge the evolution of a great work.

Jangle-pop pioneers The dB's show us that occasionally the finished song isn't always as good as the one initially envisioned. In all candor, I love everything The dB's released, including this song under the microscope, "A Spy in the House of Love".

I think the demo found on the odds 'n sods collection, 'Ride the Wild TomTom', is stronger than the version found on the band's third album, 1984's 'Like This'. The demo's rawer, more jangly feel, coupled with a much shorter running time, is easier to digest. Prior to 'Like This', The dB's sound was always lo-fi. The slick production and dated synthesizers found on the finished song never bothered me... until I heard and fell in love with the demo. "A Spy in the House of Love" was a minor hit for the band and spawned a 12" extended version that proves my point even more that bigger is not always better.

I don't hate any of these versions, but I think the demo is superior. How about you?

The dB's - A Spy in the House of Love (demo) (mp3)
The dB's - A Spy in the House of Love (Like This version) (mp3)
The dB's - A Spy in the House of Love (12" extended version) (mp3)

See Also:
Fables of the Deconstruction: Nick Lowe Edition
Fables of the Deconstruction: Go-Go's Edition