[RoyBonJovi]

I've done a little research about the Japanese version of Undiscovered Soul in comparison with the versions of the rest of the world. The Japanese edition was released prior to the other versions and it contains different versions/demo cuts of the songs. Also, there's lots of fun talk between the songs. In the Japanese booklet (of the first edition, not the '98 Tour Edition) it reads a personal note from Richie, saying something like this preview is for the fans in Japan. Why this preview and not the final cut?

I couldn't find an explanation anywhere. Does anyone know why they released the different version in Japan?

Thanks

[BJdavidLS]

If I remember right it was because some bootleg copies emerged in Japan in 1997 so he "had to" release it a little sooner, although still not finished.

[Simon]

Never heard about that demo version before, but sounds like I should get it. Now I'm heading to Japan. No wait... e-bay...

[milomom]

Originally Posted by Simon

Never heard about that demo version before, but sounds like I should get it. Now I'm heading to Japan. No wait... e-bay...

The Tour Edition has the Japanese version of the CD in addition to a bonus disc. So when you're on eBay, you can look for either that or the original Japanese release.

[kenobi_on_a_prayer]

So here's the plan. I move to Japan, and plan regular "business trips" to Europe.

[The Northern Cowboy]

Originally Posted by milomom

The Tour Edition has the Japanese version of the CD in addition to a bonus disc. So when you're on eBay, you can look for either that or the original Japanese release.

Are the differences between the Japanese import and the US version enough to warrant purchasing a second copy? Are the edits and mixes quite discrepant? The reason I ask is because I'm thinking of picking this up, but there are other Bon Jovi items with rather high "priority" that I'm thinking of purchasing. Unfortunately, money IS an issue, so I can't buy everything at once.

Thanks!

[milomom]

Originally Posted by The Northern Cowboy

Are the differences between the Japanese import and the US version enough to warrant purchasing a second copy? Are the edits and mixes quite discrepant? The reason I ask is because I'm thinking of picking this up, but there are other Bon Jovi items with rather high "priority" that I'm thinking of purchasing. Unfortunately, money IS an issue, so I can't buy everything at once.

Thanks!

They are definitely different. Even the order of songs isn't the same. I prefer the U.S. version, so that's the one I listen to. The other one is interesting, though, just because it feels like such a work in progress. I'd say set up a watch for it and when one is going cheap, grab it.

[Grypweed]

Originally Posted by The Northern Cowboy

Are the differences between the Japanese import and the US version enough to warrant purchasing a second copy? Are the edits and mixes quite discrepant? The reason I ask is because I'm thinking of picking this up, but there are other Bon Jovi items with rather high "priority" that I'm thinking of purchasing. Unfortunately, money IS an issue, so I can't buy everything at once.

Thanks!

IMO, it really depends how big a fan of Richie you are. I mean, there's little jams at the end of a few tracks, and jokes here and there, which is the kinda stuff that I die hard like me would love.

They all pretty much have different mixes though, some are more discrepant than others, All That Really Matters and If God Was A Woman (without Mr Tyler) being the two that stand out most to me.

[RoyBonJovi]

Interesting reason; leaked bootleg copies. Love the outcome though.

I like both versions and after listening to the EU version for years, it was a real surprise when I finally bought the Japan edition a few years ago. Don't know which one I prefer, I prefer some versions on the US/EU, and others on the Japan issue. Undiscovered Soul is another one that is really different, as is Made In America with (I believe) a slight different arrangment.
The All That Really Matters bonus track is nice as well, except for the "You're not alone" ending.

Must have for a Bon Jovi/Sambora fan in my opinion.

[Grypweed]

Haha, that whole "you're not alone, you're not alone, you're not alone" thing is kinda scary.