The perfect version of the perfect song? Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" live at Sin-e

[charlie and algernon]

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. I agree that Buckley's version of this song is perfection

and I have kept a copy with me over many years.
I do prefer the clarity of the studio version, also available on YouTube, where the guitar and his voice are more balanced, and the long drawn out note at the end is so incredibly pure.

[MiddleFingerMom]

2. I agree completely -- the studio version is near-perfection...

.
.
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... with the purity of his voice and simplicity of his guitar being key factors. He tries WAY too
hard in a few spots in the live version.
.
And the sharp intake of breath at the beginning of that studio take is the perfect prelude --
setting up a hushed sense of awe that is the defining tone carried through the entire song.
.
.
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Chilling and inspiring.
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.
.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. It moves me deeply every single time I hear it.

Never gets old.
I find it very centering.

Btw...Tim Buckley's Once I was a Soldier is another tune I have kept for over 20 years.
Makes me cry every time.
You probably know it.