The Showtunes Sing-Off - Irving Berlin - "Always" - Part 1 of 2

Before I listen and vote, once again I'd like to digress and ask a question.

When I was young this kind of music was not 'cool' with my friends. I always watched and loved the musicals they used to show on the TV. The first inkling I had that these were 'cool' songs, was finding covers by Motown artists and other black artists like Aretha. At that stage Rock and Rollers wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. At the time the link seemed pretty obvious to me; Motown songs were just so well written. Strong melodies and well crafted lyrics. Proper songs like "the classics".

Since then I've also wondered if Berry Gordon made his artists cover these to expand their market? Does anyone know if that was the case?

Either way I still think that e.g. the best of Smokey Robinson, stands alongside the standards in the Great American Songbook.


PS Thanks for including the Marvin Gaye cover - it prompted these recollections and I really look forward to hearing it.

Just a gorgeous song. One of those you've absorbed internally since before you could even sing and it comes as a shock to discover the fact that someone, not anon., actually wrote it!

Tony Bennett - I want to say that the night I saw him at the ROH when he got to the part where he always said
"This is where the band demand a break and so why would I need a mic, when I started before they were a thing?" ...he sang "Always". (but my memory is shocking and it's probably just wish fulfilment). I'd prefer that versions to this.
Would I have guessed that was Marvin? I'd have agreed I'd heard the voice and its style before but no, I'd never have guessed. But hearing it once is probably enough.
Seems to me the smaller the group the more I love Lady Day.
Normally I prefer the slightly later Frank, but does a lovely job and comes close.

Sarah and Billy. I have this and now I'm off to find the CD. Truly gorgeous. 1 vote.

jegreenwood said:

I don't have that Vaughan/Eckstine album, but I have a Verve Records Berlin compilation disc, which has several tracks by them. They do a very nice job with "You're Just in Love," barring one sour note by Eckstine.

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