US v UK 2

[royclough]

Ok here's another which may grab more interest.Shane Fenton won hands down on last.

Steve Lawrence took this to number 9 in US in Decemebr 59, a month later the UK cover version by Craig Douglas made number 4 in UK
Lawrence actually had 2/3 numbers covered by UK acts.


Which gets your vote.

[scotty]

Im voting for the` singing milkman` Roy i think Craig has got a more velvet tone to his voice and appeals more to me.

[royclough]

I'm with You there, people forget in UK how many hits CD had nearly all covers of US hits though.

[its-sylviab]

It has to be the Craig Douglas version for me as well as I loved his voice and as he was one of my mum's favourites,
she had all of his records and two of them that I liked, even though I wasn't very old, were "Our Favourite Melodies"
and "Time" but I haven't heard either for ages! Maybe an email to SOTS is called for!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKgudvvdxto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi8hJeEASyo

[JeffZ]

I have to give this one to Steve Lawrence, his version is quicker and the double tracked harmonies are good.

[royclough]

good Jeff a difference of opinion

[admin]

I had the greatest fun listening to these two numbers.

I asked myself while listening which version might be better received by the love of the singer's life. As Jeff mentions Steve Lawrence sings a sped up version with some nice harmonies. It is, however, rushed in my view and the full impact of the nice harmonies are lessened for me. Also, the mix of his version is heavy on strings, voices of the angels and so forth and is definitely orchestrated with the "wall of sound" approach. I found the background overpowering and at time harsh, juxaposing the sentiment. Steve sings this song in the key of F and with the harmonies the song is more forceful than it needs to be. Steve is also rushing things with a track time of 1:50.

The more youthful Craig Douglas version is softer, gentler and is more in keeping with the romance that I suspect the composers had in mind. The guitar is a lovely touch and easy to imagine this young man playing and singing to "blue eyes." I enjoyed the mix better with the background adding rather than detracting from the overall impression of the song. Craig sings the song in Eb and the lower key and slower tempo provides a somewhat sleepier and dreamer feel. His presentation time shows a bit more patience coming in at 2:08.

All in all, I found the Craig Douglas version to be more appealing and I suspect blue eyes would too.

[longhouse]

Edge goes to Steve Lawrence ...for the harmonies and audible guitars.

GREAT versions, both.

[royclough]

excellent analysis Peter and agree totally

so far Craig 4 Steve 2 any more votes

[sowhat]

Well, if "neither" is not an option, i'll vote for the first one.

[royclough]

Thanks Sheena, hope you're ok, not really your type of music but thanks again for the contribution.

[kiramdear]

I'll go with Craig. His voice is more expressive and the arrangement is clearer and sweeter.

[royclough]

thanks Kiri

[ozover50]

+1 for Craig, Roy. Totally agree with Peter's analysis .

[jimk]

Gotta go with the Craig Douglas version. I like the slightly slower tempo better, which allows for more expressivity.
JimK