In my opinion, "Core" is recorded and produced much better than "Ten" Pearl Jam, comparing two of them.
"Core" just sounds more modern to our days, even timeless.
Like "Nevermind" of Nirvana.
The drums on "Core" are fat and bright, the guitars are really massive, the vocals are strong.
Comparing to "Nevermind", "Core" sounds more tough, more dry, it lacks some pleasant wet feeling, softness, and dimensional feeling. But it's not even a problem.
"Core" has very heavy, metallic sound.
It sounds more sharp, clear and precise than "Ten", do you agree?
Talking about "WTRG", sometimes I listen to "Core" version and now I like it in other way, but I have to admit, it's a bit overproduced and feels synthetical, especially the chorus.
The vocals throughout the song are dry, not enough powerful.
The speed of this version provides feeling of slow, endless river, but, on the other hand, has lost some power of the song.
I think there's a lack of back vocals on "Core" version.
On MJY the vocals together sound richer, brighter, more emotional and sincere.
I don't like the violin (or what it is it?) in the end of the "Core" version, it sounds unnatural, shrilly, excessively.
The violin on "WTRG" is the only thing on the whole "Core", which sounds outdated, things don't sound this way nowadays.
Everything else is quite OK with "Core", the album is timeless, even after 24 years.
