Bit quiet as we have said around these parts so....
On holiday the other week I listened over and over to the LST version of 2HB. It's a truly wonderful song for me both musically and lyrically. Now, after 20 or so listens on good ear plugs I have now decided that I prefer the remake LST version. The keyboard sounds are many although still playing the same melody. Bass is different altogether to the original and obviously drums are different. The vocal is much better in my opinion. It's not that I have gone off the original, far from it.
So, who likes which version best?

i used to prefer the LST version best - for the reasons you state Gary. I still love it. However, over the years, I now prefer the RM version. The RM version's use of distortion on the keys, looping the sax etc, all add up to a dreamier vibe. Vocals on both versions are great, but the RM version is a bit weirder, adding to its surreality.

In fact, the so-called "poor" production of that first album (cite Sinfield's "admission" and Bry's oft-mentioned disappointment in the production) makes that album a much better experience for me: it's all so wonderfully strange...still.

Thought the live version from the FYP tour was magnificent

Marvellous

I agree. The absolute stand out for me.

I also really enjoyed Bitter Sweet, which is not one of my favourites generally. It was very sinister. I think that the subdued lighting that was employed throughout the gig worked best with these songs.

Going back to Gary's original question, I prefer the original version - but I would say the same about all of RM songs that Bryan reworked.

As for the criticism of the production of the 1st album, I have never really got that. I know that Bryan was supposed to be disappointed with it, presumably because it did not capture the sound that he had in his head. That's fair enough, but as I didn't know what he wanted it to sound like then I can only judge on the end product - and that was, and still is, plenty good enough to my ears.

The one rework I liked was Casanova. Re the first album I love the simplicity of the production. Andy's sax solos out off one speaker, Phil's guitar out of the other. It is what was good about early stereo.

Most Discerning Of Hipsters,
I agree completely with Garry - both are brilliant but the LST interpretation has it for me. The vocal is vastly superior and the arrangement is more sophisticated. My only niggle is that it is shorter and it's one of those songs that you just drift away to and want to go on forever.
The song is truly a classic and FYP tour performance together with the background visuals was hauntingly beautiful.
What a body of work to look back on. As relevant and enjoyable today as it was back then.
Regards,
Windswept.