The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

This one is called "Who's Got the Action?" I'd never heard of it, nor had I heard of the singer, Phil Colbert. I like it! While the arrangement is not Burt's (and it shows; an example, I guess, of how in the early years the honchos didn't trust him to do his own arranging and producing) it's still a good arrangement, I think. Enjoy!

This was the only memorable track from the 2009 compilation, Rare Bacharach 1958 - 1965 in the same way that "Miracle of St Marie" was the omly stand-out from the more recent Long Ago Last Summer collection. I wouldn`t be without these early recordings but I don`t often listen to them.

Steve:
Blair:
Also never heard of Phil Colbert; however, it appears to me that he was attempting to emulate Gene Pitney (listen closely). This was a time in the 60's where Bacharach, David and Hilliard were focusing on Pitney. Some of my favorites: "Fool Killer", "Liberty Valance" and "24 Hours From Tulsa". ......... This recording almost sounds like a demo prepared for Pitney. ..... Believe I heard that Pitney's "people" were discouraging him from getting too closely identified with the Bacharach sound. ... If true - BIG MISTAKE - because he handled the material so well! ........ Remember 'Only Love Can Break A Heart" and "True Love Never Runs Smooth"?

Bonjour Steve;

Thanks for posting, "Who's Got the Action?" I knew about this great song 2 years ago. I told John Pagano a year ago he should record it! This song is made for John!

Take care mon ami.

Vincent

I think you're right, Vincent! I love the combination of the melody note and the underlying chord on the refrain question, "Who's got the action?" John could certainly pull this off well.

ron hertel wrote:Steve:
Blair:
Also never heard of Phil Colbert; however, it appears to me that he was attempting to emulate Gene Pitney (listen closely). This was a time in the 60's where Bacharach, David and Hilliard were focusing on Pitney. Some of my favorites: "Fool Killer", "Liberty Valance" and "24 Hours From Tulsa". ......... This recording almost sounds like a demo prepared for Pitney. ..... Believe I heard that Pitney's "people" were discouraging him from getting too closely identified with the Bacharach sound. ... If true - BIG MISTAKE - because he handled the material so well! ........ Remember 'Only Love Can Break A Heart" and "True Love Never Runs Smooth"?

Couldn't agree more about how great Pitney sang those Bacharach/David songs. And I agree that it was a big mistake for Pitney's manager to break off Pitney's relationship with Burt. Gene did such a great job with the above songs you mention. He could have had even greater success with Burt and Hal, no question about it. What a shame.

Only Burt and Hal can write a song that has traces of Mongolian throat singing and tritones and still sound good.

Johnny Mathis Warm and Tender.

Dreamy Frank Sinatra like song by Johnny Mathis. Almost sounds like a standard.

Johnny Mathis- Heavenly.

A perfect blend of Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller


Jay and the Americans- Look in my eyes Maria.

Steve Schenck wrote:This one is called "Who's Got the Action?" I'd never heard of it, nor had I heard of the singer, Phil Colbert. I like it! While the arrangement is not Burt's (and it shows; an example, I guess, of how in the early years the honchos didn't trust him to do his own arranging and producing) it's still a good arrangement, I think. Enjoy!

A very classic Bacharach sound. I love the organ. Bob Hilliard always wrote good lyrics in Hal David's absence.