And no one sang them better than David Cassidy.
Don't know how I managed to miss this version but here are The Lettermen covering "It's One of Those Nights (Yes, Love)". It's an amazing song full of evocative imagery and they render it beautifully...but it all sounds fake next to The Partridge Family's version, doesn't it? Hard to beat the warmth and sincerity in young David Cassidy's delivery.
I specify "young David Cassidy" because he redid the song almost thirty years later for his "Then & Now" album and...well, he shouldn't have. It sucks. Wish I had the terminology to express how awful it is but whoever has the album could probably chime in. If I could find it on YT, I'd share it with you. What happened to his singing during all those years? Can't say it's his voice that sounds different (that's normal with age), it's his phrasing. There's no vulnerability in his delivery. Sorry, I know I've bitched about it before but I was just listening to that "Now" track and the difference between the two never fails to hit me.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
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9 comments:
This was one of my very favorite PF songs. Great melody, great lyrics, it really sets a mood. Never heard the Lettermen version---sounds like they kept the exact arrangement from the PF recording.
It's true what you say about the later recording. It's like he was trying to be too perfect---hit every note with strength like he was on stage or something. Maybe his years in theater affected his singing style? I like the older version, though. It's much looser and easier to sing to.
Did The Lettermen drop all the background vocals in their version? My amateur ears detect only one voice and that surprises me because The Lettermen were known for their harmonies.
Cassidy took me on emotional roller coaster ride in the original version and it's ironic because his singing seems so effortless. As you say, Sharon, he might be trying too hard in the more recent recording and it sounds hollow to my ears. He totally loses me the first time he sings "It's one of those things for the pain it brings". I also find the background vocals in the "Then & Now" version more distracting than in the original.
Out of all of his albums, I suspect that Then and Now would be my least favorite partially because I liked his the first versions of these songs so much. But I withhold my own assessment until I actually listen to the CD proper, and right now I don't even own it.
I really like some of the work he's done with Craig J. I hope he completes the CD he's been working on with him soon. And I hope he will be performing these songs in concert. His voice sounds different these days, rougher and deeper than in his 20s and 30s, but he still has that incredible range that I find thrilling to listen to. OMG!
I think Beau has this gift as well. He shows great range in The Fate's version of Skyscraper. Whoa! And this is a good cover of Last Friday Night.
Yes, his voice is deeper these days but I hear a difference in his enunciation as well. His phrasing is different. I find he sounds different in every decade. Barely recognize his voice on Romance and then I hear a huge difference between his 90s voice and his 70s voice.
I'm not familiar with The Fates' work so thanks for the links, Singme. I love their cover of Last Friday Night. Just love it. They make the song rock. Can't say I find anything distinctive about Beau's voice though, sorry. Perhaps it's not coming through in these two samples but there's nothing in his voice that grabs me the way there is in his father's young voice.
Hi DD,
I need to amend my last post. I do have Then & Now, but obviously, I haven't listened to it in a long time since I forgot I had it. Anyway, I actually think some of the redoes are pretty good. David's enunciation is different like you say, but I still think David's voice shows great range, skill, and he's still breathy, even if it does sound a bit different. I still find remnants of the young David that thrill me. Sigh. :=) But in most cases, I still prefer the original recordings. Do You Believe In Magic, Rock Me Baby, How Can I Be Sure, and Ricky's Tune are my favorites on that CD. In fact, I like the way he does the "C'mon and rock me" part better in T&N. And I actually like this version of Ricky's Tune better than his original version. I think it sounds sooooo gooooood!
Well, It's One of Those Nights is probably my favourite PF song and no one can ever touch the young DC version. I never heard another version or knew one existed but it's not for me. I do have a copy of Then and Now. I tried to like it but failed, LOL! I'm afraid I've had to hold up my hands and admit only the young DC's voice moves me. There was something in him the that was lost over the years, the vulnerability, the raw but beautiful natural voice, the expectations of a young man, well he lost all that through circumstance and personality traits I'm afraid. Still, the albums are there forever aren't they?
Thanks for your comments everyone. SingMe, do you know if you have the American edition of T&N or the UK one? I know in Canada, they issued the UK version and from what I understand, the US version is different. (I'm in Canada and ordered the CD from Amazon US - they still shipped me the UK version.) I don't have "Do You Believe in Magic" on my T&N so I suspect you have the US edition. You say "Ricky's Tune" is better than the original and I've read reviews corroborating that. I'm listening to it again now - I'll be honest, it's one of my least favorite songs of his (nonsensical lyrics drive me nuts) and I'm forever skipping it. Might not have given it a fair chance on T&N. My favorite on it is "Ain't No Sunshine". Okay, I'm halfway through "Ricky's Tune" and I hear what you mean - his vocals are VERY good and elevate the song.
And yes, BF, thank goodness the albums are there forever. Well, as long as technology permits it.
Yes, DD, I have the US version, w/o the extra tracks. I'll have to try to get the UK version. ;=)
But BF, I thought you liked him in concert last April! BTW, I sent you an email a few days ago.
I am a young-er Partridge Family fan (35 years old-slightly before my time). I started out being a Shaun Cassidy fan. Then started listening to the Partridge Family and David Cassidy.
Anyway...my favorite songs from Tony are Summer Days and Indian Lake (Cowsills).
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