It's always nice to hear a stripped-down version of a song you already enjoy and find that other version just as enjoyable, if not more, than the original. My case in point: The Zolas' live version of "Strange Girl."
This video truly feels like you're right there with frontman Zach Gray and friends, just enjoying a laid-back night with some live music. If you've heard the original version of "Strange Girl," you'll know how much this version differs in a very good way. Less rock, more soul. Sometimes all you need is a guitar, an amp and your voice. Zach carries this duty effortlessly. The guitar pulls the weight while Zach maintains his signature vocals -- sometimes silky, other times gritty.
All in all the versatility of this song, original or stripped-down, contains the type of dynamics that are able to shine through a fancy production approach or something as simple as this version.
Strange Girl - Live - Southern Souls Session from Light Organ Records on Vimeo.