When I heard David Cassidy's eponymous release of 1990, one song stood out: "Hi-Heel Sneakers". I liked the sound of it but thought the lyrics daft. Well, turns out that it's the only song on the album that wasn't co-written by Sue Shifrin. It's actually an old R&B tune by Robert Higginbotham who scored a Billboard Hot 100 hit with it in 1964 as Tommy Tucker. The song has been covered by over 200 artists, so chances are good that I was the only one in the dark about it. Here is the original version by Tucker (Higginbotham), Jerry Lee Lewis' cover and David's, of course. Also found a version by Elvis Presley but can't embed the video. The link is at the bottom of this post - it's worth a listen.
Hearing the song performed in its original R&B style, the butchery it suffered at the beat of those drum machines is even more evident. It would be cool to hear DC perform it today without the electronic trappings that saddle his comeback album and indelibly time stamp it 1990. Someone should remind him of this classic.
Elvis's version.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
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11 comments:
Thank you DD for highlighting this song which I even have as my ringtone on my phone ! Whenever I hear this record my feet start tapping and I find it very hard to keep still. I was surprised to see that 200 artists had covered this song including the Rolling Stones and I must say David's more upbeat version stands up well against the more slow bluesy versions. I requested this song, via Email, in 2008 when David wanted requests of songs to sing in concert in UK and I know I wasn't the only one but alas he didn't sing it but he must now be aware now that it is still a popular song amongst his followers. I also hoped it would get him to look into including songs from his later albums but unfortunately he still just sings the same old classics.
I thought this was an original record, I'd never heard it before. That's the best track on the album, pity it wasn't one of their compositions - not! I though it was a little different than the other tracks. I'd like to hear David sing it blues style, like Tommy Tucker (I love blues). There's more chance of pigs flying over my house. I've practicaly gien up on David ever changing his repetoire.
practically given up on David ever changing his repertoire. That's looks better. Following DC has killed off my remaining brain cells.
LOL!! When pigs fly...LOL!!!!!!
I'd never heard the song either before David's version. I do like this song of his a lot!
I've never thought of David's brand of intoxication as capable of killing off brain cells! LOL!!!!!!!! That's an interesting theory and it may have some merit as I know it often renders me giddy with pleasure. LOL!!!!!
Even Paul McCartney did that song in his 1992 MTV Unplugged show. The Stones also did it. Its a well known blues song and those songs never have to make sense cos it's the music more. Also with blues songs like this a singer can change the words and improv onstage. Like Kansas City sometimes singers sing diff words. Its the blues sound that's the focal point.
Here are places to hear others' versions. Not bothering to make it blue letters since it doesn't make link work any better. LOL
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=High+Heeled+Sneakers&search_type=&aq=f
Oh singme if only it was intoxication that was killing off my brain cells! More like bl**dy frustration!!! At David's lack of pride (in his abilities) and drive (to excel himself).
Barbara, I found this link that tells you how to make a pretty link if you're interested.
I believe this is the same website SLK referred to a few months ago. :-)
I didn't like this song at all on David's album, but now when I have heard the blues versions are realize that it's a great song. David's version hasn't got any feeling, it's just "steel" and surface (drum machines?). He could do so much better with that voice of his. Junk Heart Blues is a good example.
DD, thanks for the Tucker clip! How absolutely wonderful!! Just perfect rock & roll. And I LOVE the piano on Lewis's version!
Not a fan of the third version, sorry to say.
Now that Elvis clip is sexy. His voice, the pics. Love it!
I see what you mean SLK. It seems that David could have pulled it off like Elvis did. In fact, since I haven't listened to much Elvis, I just realized how much David's voice sounds like Elvis' here sometimes, like in Rock Me Baby.
I actually like the snappy version of David's too, but I would like it better with real drums and David's bluesy voice more prominently featured.
SLK, I love Lewis' piano too - that's why I included his swingin' version rather than any of the other great ones that exist as Barbara mentions (McCartney, Stones, Leon Russel....). That piano is just infectious.
MaeB: I like your description of David's version: steel and surface.
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