UKRichard wrote:
Isn't it obvious?
1. Le Grand Rex - Colin Good's arrangement captures the best of both the original RM and LST versions and sprinkles the song with magic.
2. Viva - this one sounds so heartfelt and the segway into Both Ends Burning is always nothing short of a thrill.
3. RM - not just for the completely out of leftfield sound that still sounds as original and experimental today as it did then, but for the oh so Noel Coward delivery. Simply sumptuous.
4. LST - by no means a poor fourth - great arrangement and vocal but simply outshone by the calibre of the other three.
OK that's that one sorted. Move along now, nothing more to see here. Next please Monsieur Windswept.
Hedonistic Hipsters,
W2 feels that he has been flayed to within an inch of his life with a feather boa!
Cela dit it is not without justification. To leave the 'Viva' version out is pure negligence and he is hanging his head in shame. Heureusement Teresa, doc & UKRichard set him straight.
Although W2 maintains his preference for the Le Grand Rex version. It has to be said the Viva take is something else and as UKRichard said the segway into 'Both Ends Burning' is beyond good so that's what we should do now.
Windswept is the proud custodian of four versions:
Siren 1975 (VO)
Viva 1976
Heart Still Beating 1990
Roxy Music Live 2003
The original - is W2's favourite track on this LP but its slower tempo and lack of backing vocals makes it noticeably different to the live versions that were to follow.
Viva - with its quicker tempo, sublime sax and great vocals - both lead and backing never fails to move W2 from chair dancing to full fandango mode. The album also benefits from a sleeve that features our hero in GI mode - a sartorial masterstroke.
Heart Still Beating - is a slightly different take with an organ intro and additional percussion but it doesn't have Viva's energy and for whatever reason Andy is not on the same form.
Roxy Music Live - although this is W2's favourite live LP and features Roxy's strongest ever line up. They do a good version that was dramatically enhanced by Ferry's harmonica solo and the live presence of their tremendous dancing show girls.
Given that all Ferry is good Ferry (sauf IYLSE) we have to search for excellence and W2 gives it to Viva - it's just amazing.
Sans les filles 2003's live version is next up. Then the VO and finally Heart Still Beating - a version that W2 doesn't think brings a whole lot to the party.
Mais, this is W2's truth - now tell him yours.
Salutations,
Windswept