Yeah, I think having the chance to hear the song "premiered" could influence quite a lot the opinion on the finished record.
Mind you, one of my fav "things" about "Female Mechanic" is exactly that sort of weird laidback mood running through the song.
Also I like when live versions are different from the record (especially for bands who have no particular problems having recordings circulating
), I think I can love both versions in different ways, not considering one necessarily "better" than the other.
But my POV is obviously different from yours, as in I get the chance to see them once in a few years, basically supporting an already released album, and had no "live experience" prior to the "Goodbye" tour
. Sometimes I wish I was older (or at least NOT in a near-to-death-bed with a fuckin' 41°C fever the days they toured WM, and near my hometown to add to my misery...)..