Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

OK encouraged by last one so hope you all take part again.

In 1961 The Drifters took this song to number 14 in US. It did nothing in UK

Six years later a Liverpool group The Crying Shames had a number 26 with the song, but for some it remains a classic, others hated it.

Your choice

I like the Cryin' Shames version here, mainly due to Joe Meek's production. There's a strange tonal color to the organ that is very striking.

The Drifters version is good but not much of a departure from their usual approach. The Cryin' Shames version is more interesting from a delivery and production standpoint. Make mine the UK side on this one!

This is rather like apples and oranges...
As mentioned above, the Drifters' version is in their classic doowop style; the Cryin' Shames is a typical UK pop production. The basic song (tune and words) may be the same, but it's (almost) like asking do you prefer the Byrds' version of We'll Meet Again, or Vera Lynn's? the Beatles' version of Hard Day's Night or Peter Sellers'? OK, I'm exaggerating, but the principle is the same - essentially, it's a question of which style you prefer.
Having said all that, I'll vote for the Drifters, simply because I don't care for the singer's voice on the other version.

In the history of modern music the Drifters are icons while the C Shames are but footnotes.

BUT ...in this contest I have to give it to the Brits!

Cryin Shames take the gold.

I really wanted to go with the Crying Shames but it was like a bad dream i need to go with The Drifters on this one Roy.

harley wrote:The Drifters version is good but not much of a departure from their usual approach. The Cryin' Shames version is more interesting from a delivery and production standpoint. Make mine the UK side on this one!

+1, I agree with this.

Don't like either, but dislike the Drifters' version a little less so they get my vote.

Here, too -- neither does much for me. However, if forced to listen, it would be the Cryin Shames! Maybe it's the quality of the video for the CS's and I never heard it before till a minute ago. Still, it is better than Drifters.

Crying Shames took the accolade on this one thanks to everyone who took time to vote some good observations