Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The standard version of "I Don't Want To Go On Without You" is, of course, the version with strings--but the 30th Anniversary Collection and the new "Sugar and Spice" reissue include an alternate version, which to my ears sounds like the same recording minus string overdubs.

I'd like to know which version is better, in your opinions.

This discussion was, I must admit, provoked by John Ribeiro's referring to the standard version as "the one with all those damn violins," so John, maybe you could elaborate on why you dislike that version so much.

I've compared the two a few times, and I just cannot get into the stringless version. If I were seeing them perform it live in a club, it would be nice, but for listening purposes, it is just lacking in my opinion. I think the string arrangement is perhaps a bit overdone, but at the same time it adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the song, so my vote goes to the standard version.

I believe that version was a hit single in Holland. Do we have anyone from Holland here who would like to comment?

I look forward to reading your opinions.

S.J,

I came to the opposite result from you. I thought the strings were too loud, overpowered a very emotional rendition of the vocal, and drowned out a very effective, yet understated instrumental that complemented the vocal- especially Tony Hatch's piano (I'm a big Everly and Buddy Holly fan, so I go for plainer, sparer backgrounds). I thought strings made "What Have They Done To the Rain". For me they killed this song ('til I heard the alternate take). In this case (to me) more was not better.

The information of the Anniversary Collection says that this songs was recorded early 1964 and now it is included on Sugar & Spice. But I am sure that it from Sounds Like Searchers sessions with Frank.

Michael

Michael

You are indeed correct, the track was on Sounds Like Track 4 side one, for the purists.

I have always thought that this should have been released as a single in 65, the album was released in March 65, whilst Goodbye my love was finishing it's chart run, here in England.

The next single release was He's got no love in July 65.

I suspect the version without strings which is on the CD'S refered to is the original cut and that strings were overdubbed.

What some may not know is that the song was released as a single by The Moody Blues in March 65 (Denny Laine on Lead vocal) as the follow up release to Go Now their number 0ne smash here in England in Decemvber 64. The release only made no 33 however.
Another Liverpool band The Escorts released the track as a single but it failed to make a impression, perhaps these reasons put paid to any consideration of releasing this track as a single. I thought the version by The Searchers was the best version, but I'm biased.