By ParaMhor
“A crooner is a singer that performs with a smooth, intimate style that originated in the 1920s. The style was made possible by better microphones which picked up quieter sounds and a wider range of frequencies, allowing the singer to access a more dynamic range …” (Wikipedia)
“Can't act. Can't sing. Slightly bald. Can dance a little.” – Fred Astaire
First, thanks to barbryn for the nomination of Coles Corner. A legendary landmark in Sheffield, where lovers and potential lovers meet. Every city has these places. The magnificent Richard Hawley celebrates his home town.
As severin says, one of the most perfect recordings ever. Patsy Cline’s Crazy needs no introductions from me. A marvel.
Continuing the swoonsome songs produced by Owen Bradley, k.d. lang is at her most restrained and affective in the wonderful Shadowland. A great contribution from magicman.
Mrs P whooped for this one. Not that it was in any doubt. Chris Isaak takes us on his riff on obsession. Later used in one of David Lynch’s worst films, now a popular classic. Thanks to Maki for putting up Wicked Game.
Chris Connor was born in Kansas City at a time when jazz was really taking off. Working with Stan Kenton and other players, her take on A Foggy Day is lovely. Thanks this time to nosuchzone.
A cover of a modern song. Huge gratitude to Nicko for bringing this to my attention. Jimmy Little began his professional career in 1951, in a career spanning six decades, This one, towards the end of his career, is a wonderful take on Nick Cave’s Are You The One That I’ve Been Waiting For?
A jazz standard, My One and Only Love was recorded a good few times before Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane gave it a go in 1963. From that lovely album, a sublime recording, with Nilpferd recommending.
A more recent example. Here’s Cécile McLorin Salvant with Est-ce ainsi que les hommes vivent? Her take on “is this how men live?” Courtesy of ajostu. Released by Serge and Sonia, Yves Montand and many others. Just beautiful.
To begin at the beginning, well not quite. Born to Greek and Lebanese parents in Mozambique, sadly killed in the Blitz on London in 1941, Al Bowlly packed a lot into his comparatively short life. Including making the first and, for me (and nominator Severin), definitive recording of The Very Thought of You.
Óðinn Valdimarsson was new to me. I still know next to nothing about him, apart from the fact that he was a singer from Iceland, but his song Ég er kominn heim, really hits home. Thanks to Traktor Albatrost.
When I was young I could not understand why the magnificent Fred Astaire seemed to be thought of as just that guy who could dance (albeit pretty well). A voice as light as his steps, a knowing comic talent, I just love his take on The Way You Look Tonight. Thankfully Suzi agreed.
Film clip here for those interested:
Now to the Hoagy Carmichael classic recorded over 1,500 times. Stardust is one of those songs we all know in our bones. Here, perfectly sung by the great Nat King Cole, with thanks to Severin (and also magicman) for nominating.
Oh man, this one. Went round the houses on this one, but think can sneak in due to Bill’s wonderful voice. It does get a bit histrionic (thus breaking my unwritten rule for this topic), but what voices. And what an unzedded song. So, it’s the Righteous Brothers with You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, courtesy of ShivSidecar.
Enfin, a late entry from untergunther. A lovely take on the modern croon from Depeche Mode. Am sure they would love that description. Goodnight Lovers.
No Bing, no Frank, no Andy, no Perry, no Johnny? I’m as non-plussed as you are. But check out the B-List …
Thanks all for a wonderful week. I had a shortlist of 95 and think this has been the toughest to choose yet …
Amplified Articulation A-List Playlist:
Richard Hawley – Coles Corner (barbryn)
Patsy Cline – Crazy (severin)
k.d.lang – Shadowland (magicman)
Chris Isaak – Wicked Game (Maki)
Chris Connor – A Foggy Day (nosuchzone)
Jimmy Little – Are You The One I’ve Been Waiting For (Nicko)
Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane – My One and Only Love (Nilpferd)
Cécile McLorin Salvant – Est-ce ainsi que les hommes vivent? (ajostu)
Al Bowlly – The Very Thought of You (severin)
Óðinn Valdimarsson – Ég er kominn heim (Traktor Albatrost)
Fred Astaire – The Way You Look Tonight (Suzi)
Nat King Cole – Stardust (severin)
The Righteous Brothers – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (ShivSidecar)
Depeche Mode – Goodnight Lovers (untergunther)
Blue Eyes, Billie, Bing and Beyond B-List Playlist:
Billie Holiday – The Way You Look Tonight (magicman)
Maggie Gyllenhall – Lighthouse Keeper (Tarquin Spodd)
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole – White Sandy Beach Of Hawai'i (Fred Erickson)
Mills Brothers – Sleepy Head (Nicko)
Neil Young – Harvest Mon (Marconius)
Yves Montand – Elle a (Tatanka Yotanka)
Frank Sinatra – These Foolish Things (Suzi)
Bing Crosby – Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (Altra Ego)
Johnny Mathis – Wild Is The Wind (Altra Ego)
Andy Williams – Can’t Get Used To Losing You (magicman)
Patty Page – Old Cape Cod (magicman)
Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling in Love (Isabelle Forshaw)
George Michael – Praying For Time (magicman)
Robert Palmer – She Makes My Day (untergunther)
Caetano Veloso – Michelangelo Antonioni (untergunther)
Chappell Roan – Coffee (Fred Erickson)
Crowded House – All I Ask (ajostu)
Guru’s Wildcard Picks:
Nina Simone – Little Girl Blue
Andy Williams – Moon River
Mitski – My Love Mine All Mine
Passengers – Your Blue Room
The Beatles – Goodnight
Ah, Ringo!
These playlists were inspired by readers' song nominations in response to last week's topic: Microphone closeness? Songs featuring crooners. The next topic will launch on Thursday after 1pm UK time.
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