Perky, pint-sized bossa chanteuse Claudette Soares scored big in the late 60s by following Wilson Simonal's stylistic lead into an irresistible mix of pop, samba, French ye-ye, boogaloo, soul and bossa. This is a perfect example of the strangely Isaac Hayes-influenced arrangements to be found on her 1969-70 "pop" LP trilogy, and another winner from the then-unstoppable Adolfo-Gaspar writing team.
Prior to hearing her "Something" LP, I always referred to Dame Shirley as "The Godzilla of Song". By this I meant I always felt she treated a tune the way Rodan treated Tokyo, like something to be smashed underfoot. While I lived/died by her Bond themes, and such like, I never thought she was capable of nuance, restraint, and/or sexiness. Then I heard this god-like album, brilliantly produced and arranged by Johnny Harris. This cover of The Doors' song perfectly sums up the record's strengths. It's jazzy, sexy, incredibly funky, yet still totally Dame Shirley in all her over-the-top-glory. Probably the best Doors cover ever (though Nico's toxic reading of "The End", and Siouxsie and The Banshees' strangely Motown-esque version of "You're Lost Little Girl" come awfully close.)
This should have been massive for Dusty in 1970, a lovely arrangement including accordian, it only reached the mid 30's in the UK. Amazingly David Cassidy had a big hit with it only 3 years later, it was nowhere near as good as Dusty's.
13 Jan 03 ·robert[o]: A good friend of mine has this theory that the greatest pop songs are ultimately about states of joy. I don't know I if agree, but this song is supports the arguement really well.
St. Dusty @ her most god-like.
Great choice. 09 Jan 04 ·rio: aptly put indeed; "spooky", another case in point with dusty.. 08 Jul 05 ·Flippet: Have to disagree with the comment on David Cassidy's "How Can I Be Sure". While Dusty gave the song her own sensitive interpretation, David's version is totally memorable and is a true pop classic of the 70s. The production quality of the track and David's amazing vocals deservedly took the song to #1. 08 Jul 05 ·konsu: Hmmm... It's almost as if The Young Rascals didn't exsit. 07 Dec 05 ·Swinging London: I always thought the Young Rascals' version was terribly produced, though I can't remember why.
I was always hearing them on the oldies channels in New York City when I lived there...apart from 'Groovin'' they're practically unknown in England.
Great version of a singular break-up song. The original by the Fifth Dimension is driven along by a thumping snare drum - Mel�s take on it is more leisurely, a middle aged guy reflecting on a break-up in heat-hazy late 60s LA. From an LP on which Mel also delivers other �definitive versions of today�s outstanding songs.�
Sensational songwriting from Jackie McAuley. Judy Dyble's sweet harmonies add a layer of delight to this joyously uplifting song. It was sunset on the Greek island of Koufonissi when I first heard this, but thankfully it sounded even better the next time I heard it (on a cold rainy day in Edinburgh).
