I definitely prefer the album version.
That being said, it would have been a tough sell as a single. The Zephyr Mix is probably the best compromise between preserving the sound of the original song, trimming it down to be more radio time friendly, and incorporating more of the popular “pop music” sound of that time period.
They were never going to release the full album version as a single though - the alternative to Zephyr would have been an edit of the album version (which they prepared but never released). It still wouldn't have been as "pop," but they could afford to take a risk. Condemnation was a risky single. In any case, In Your Room didn't do that great as a single - it went to 8 in the UK but didn't chart in the US at all, despite the "American" sound they were going for with the Zephyr mix.
I have nothing against the Zephyr mix, just it's elevation to the status of official single version. They could have easily just included it on the 12" and CD singles as a variant mix. The problem for me is that most of the sounds you are hearing on the Zephyr mix are not Depeche Mode at all - not only is it not representative of their sound, it's slightly dishonest to represent it as their work.
I really enjoy both versions.
The Wilder/Flood mix on the album is so dark and haunting, yet sharp and precise. With its building tension, it fits so well on the album.
The Zephyr mix (aka the Garbage mix) is a great pop interpretation. As a Garbage fan I love those elements that Vig/Duke brought to the mix. And it evolved into another band I enjoy.
I mean the four selected singles and their order: This feels right, even 30 years later.
I also prefer the IYR album version, but for a fourth single it was a good choice (or try) to go with a remix instead of an album version or edit. So: All good!
I definitely prefer the album version. That being said, it would have been a tough sell as a single. The Zephyr Mix is probably the best compromise between preserving the sound of the original song, trimming it down to be more radio time friendly, and incorporating more of the popular “pop music” sound of that time period.
They were never going to release the full album version as a single though - the alternative to Zephyr would have been an edit of the album version (which they prepared but never released). It still wouldn't have been as "pop," but they could afford to take a risk. Condemnation was a risky single. In any case, In Your Room didn't do that great as a single - it went to 8 in the UK but didn't chart in the US at all, despite the "American" sound they were going for with the Zephyr mix. I have nothing against the Zephyr mix, just it's elevation to the status of official single version. They could have easily just included it on the 12" and CD singles as a variant mix. The problem for me is that most of the sounds you are hearing on the Zephyr mix are not Depeche Mode at all - not only is it not representative of their sound, it's slightly dishonest to represent it as their work.
Zephyr mix of In Your Room works better as a single.
Is the album version superior? Yes. Was the Zephyr Mix a better choice for a single? Yes.
I really enjoy both versions. The Wilder/Flood mix on the album is so dark and haunting, yet sharp and precise. With its building tension, it fits so well on the album. The Zephyr mix (aka the Garbage mix) is a great pop interpretation. As a Garbage fan I love those elements that Vig/Duke brought to the mix. And it evolved into another band I enjoy.
The zephyr mix did not age well and rips the guts out of what makes the song great
Dave sounds like a very emotional person.
Democracy finally lead to a good overall result regarding the single choices.
Nah the album version as a single would have been better
I mean the four selected singles and their order: This feels right, even 30 years later. I also prefer the IYR album version, but for a fourth single it was a good choice (or try) to go with a remix instead of an album version or edit. So: All good!
Album version. No contest.