who did it better?

[geoff85]

In the golden days sometimes a good song was often covered by many artists this thread analyzes which artist put the best stamp on it.

I will start off with one of my favorite Bacharach tracks. "Look in my eyes Maria". While it wasnt a huge hit itself it was covered very nicely by two artist. Cliff Richards version was the original Bacharach version with trademark heavy brass and a slow tempo. Jay and the Americans version was a collab between Bacharach and Lieber/Stoller and has a sound that is a perfect blend of the two. In this case I actually prefer Jay and the Americans version because the tempo makes it very danceable almost like a Brasilian Samba and the trumpet is very offbeat in parts making a very interesting sound. What do you guys think?

Cliff Richards

Jay and the Americans


Keeping with the Lieber/Stoller theme one of my favorite obscure oldie songs is " On the Horizon" which was covered both by Ben King and a very unknown Johnny Sandon and the Remo Four. If it wasnt for youtube I wouldnt even know the second version existed. In this case I feel Ben blew it out the water no contest. Ben Kings version sounds almost futuristic. That rythym is so out of ordinary for the times which is a very common theme for Lieber/Stollers music. Whats everyones take?

Ben King

Johnny Sandon and the Remo Four

[Blair N. Cummings]

Even though the tempo has always seemed a bit rushed to me, I`ve got to give my vote to Jay. Slowing it down a tad may have given more of a mariachi feel that Burt may or may not have had in mind. But slowing it to the tempo of Cliff`s version does nothing but drag it.
Nice obscurity, `though. I`ve always liked it.