Alternate Universe: Early Takes of Famous Songs

"Mister" Reed

10. Michael Jackson, "We Are the World" - Michael's demo for the charity disc.

9. George Harrison, "It Don't Come Easy" - George writes a hit for Ringo.

8. Pretenders, "Stop Your Sobbing" - demo version of the band's first single, a remake of future Hynde paramour Ray Davies' Kinks song.

7. Bob Dylan, "Blowin in the Wind" - early version.

6. Appolonia 6, "Manic Monday" - Prince turned his roving eye to Susanna Hoffs, and the Bangles got the hit instead.

5. Queen, "Feel Like"  Became "Under Pressure".

4. Elton John, "Benny and the Jets" Working version.

3. Lou Reed, "Satellite of Love" Outtake from Loaded

2. Ramones, "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio"  Pre-Spector version.

1. R.E.M., "Radio Free Europe"  I kind of prefer this punkier take.

A&H Blogger Milo comments below:

"Earth's greatest demo/abandoned take:"
Replacements, "I Can Hardly Wait"

And A&H regular Brian Middleton adds one of my favorite early demo versions

John Lennon, "Strawberry Fields Forever"