There is a strange mix of this on some Motown compilations that has that bad split-stereo thing going on and a distressingly prominent plonky piano coming out of the right-hand speaker - and children, it is wrong.
What we need is the full mono blast of the vinyl 45 and Levi Stubbs doing serious work on the song written by the Left Banke's 16 year-old keyboard player: surely a contender for your next 'cover versions that blow socks off the original' in-pub conversation.
So good it makes me cry!
The Four Tops - 'Walk Away Renee' (1967)
Harsh Davy - the Left Banke's version is so delicate. Who can resist harpsichords?
ReplyDeleteWell bless you, but still...
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, but Bragg's version is even better, "she cut her hair and I stopped loving her".
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend, guys.
Well, I'm as fond of Bill as the next man (and he's quite keen) - but better? Really??
ReplyDelete"She cut her hair and I stopped loving her". You know me and Motown, but I'll second that. Billy's version is just superb, one of my favourite tracks of all time, made even better by being the b-side to Levi Stubbs Tears. It's the whole package
ReplyDeleteNo, in retrospect that was a rather rash statement, what I meant to say different and amusing.
ReplyDeleteSorry Mr H, with the lack of alcohol I am losing perspective.
Ah drew, it really is better. Now, if it was Bernadette or Reach Out I wouldn't say that.
ReplyDeleteI also have a particular fondness for the Tops version of If I Was Carpenter...
I'm putting both of you in detention.
ReplyDeleteYou've an hour on soul history with Mr Gordy.
He's quite strict.
there was a brilliantly boozy motown howl along round here just the other day. it gets very tricky doing tyhe lead and backing singing at the same time. too many words. but wonderful
ReplyDeletex
Did you sing into ladles? I do hope so.
ReplyDeleteDammit! This song always makes me wanna cry ... Levi's voice was loaded with emotion. There never will be another one like him.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm going to have a Four Tops weekend.
Crying with you Raggs, pre-emptively.
ReplyDeleteI once travelled about in a Sherpa van with 3 ridiculously fashion-conscious mates - we were all vanity, hair and crushed velvet.
ReplyDeleteWe called ourselves The Tour Fops.
By gum, it rained a lot coming back from the pub tonight.
So good it gave me chills and knocked me down flat. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLike most Brits I grew up the Tops version of this song (didn't even know it was a cover for years) so to my mind it is the original and Left Banke's sounds rather pale and weedy by comparison. I feel the same way about The Isley's 'Summer Breeze' - have you ever heard the original by Seals & Croft? Bloody awful it is.
ReplyDeleteJust played Bill and Levi Stubbs back to back (for scientific purposes you understand) and while Billy's version is rather wonderfully quirky, you can't beat the Tops' version.
ReplyDeleteI also remember it as one of those songs where you got the lyrics all wrong. Buts that's a different story...
The Next Man