What A Difference A Version Makes.

[andy-hughes]

I wonder if anyone else has such diametrically opposed reactions to artists - especially those who sing the same song?

My example is the song Sway, and the two versions by Julie London, and Dean Martin.

Julie London's version sounds like sex on vinyl.

Dean Martin's version makes me want to wash my hands after hearing it.

Does anyone else have such extreme reactions to the same song - or is it just me?

Or to widen out the debate - directly opposite opinions of two artists -

Example again -

Dusty Springfield singing makes me think that all human emotion is there.

Chris Martin makes me think of a Sixth Former in a music room at school with (never-to-be-fulfilled ever!) dreams of being a pop star.

[Old_Geezer]

Rarely does a further new version, changed to make it "theirs", so it simply isn't the same any more, come close to sounding as good to me as the one I first encountered and enjoyed. I think it is because a particular song/rendition is acknowledged as good that others consider it worth have a bash at, but it is the fact that it is good that means they simply fail to come to the same standard. They should look for a presently poor effort of something with potential to make their own.

[vulcan42]

I never liked Leonard Cohen singing his song Hallelujah and then Jeff Buckley recorded it and I found it marginally better. It wasn't until K D Lang recorded it that I realised what a great song it is. Even so, her best version is on the album "Hymns of the 49th parallel", I've heard her sing it live and IMO the recording is better.

[mushroom25]

//Rarely does a further new version, changed to make it "theirs".....//

it does happen though - Roxy Music had a good go with "jealous guy", and Dave McCabe of the Zutons was often asked before concerts if they'd be doing their "amy winehouse cover".

[janbee]

I remember SWAY by Bobby Rydel waaay back in the late 50s or very early 60s. Is it the same version as the one you're talking about andy?

[whirlyhurly]

Ah yes andy-h, the enigmatic Julie London, nobody's version compares with her sublime singing of "Cry Me A River".

[andy-hughes]

Indeed whirlyhurly - to my knowledge, the only time the word 'plebian' is used in a lyric.

They really don't write 'em like that anymore!