McCartney’s version was poignant considering it was played in Liverpool as a tribute to Lennon (with Yoko Ono in attendance, no less).

That being said, Neil Young nails it and, I might add, he got the words right on Macca’s section.

John would be pleased.

Andy- With all due respect, what a stupid question, this is not a top 100 list of who does the best version of a song. It is two pure genius at work. Stop the nonsense.

I think Paul did ok but it’s just doesnt feel right when he sings Lennon’s part. I think Neil Young did really well.

That’s pretty damn cool.

Check out the DVD of “Live Rust.” On that late 70’s tour, Neil opened his two hour show by playing the Beatles cut of “A Day in the Life” over the sound system as pre-show, get-in-your-seat music, but the song ends abruptly before “the endless chord”, and the concert starts. When the last encore ends, lights come up; “the endless chord” bookends the show. Always thought it was Neil’s way of showing respect and admiration for the song. Cool, Neil.

I saw Neil Young play this song on the Werchter festival in Belgium last weekend. It was fabulous! The highlight of the festival (untill Radiohead played a superb show the next day).

This is art. there doesnt have to be a “best”. The term is redundant. just saw the NY version at 2009 glastonbury.
It is stunning, nothing short.
I’m still thinking about it days later.
it was very right for the context, as was the origonal for it’s context.

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