I happened upon a compilation while blog hopping last week that featured original recordings of songs that became hits for others. The title of the set is "1st Recordings of World Hit Pops Made Famous By American Artists." And no, that is not a typo, as you can see here:
Most of the tracks are inferior to the hits that we all know so well. And I was surprised by how many I hadn't realized came before the hits, like Sammy Ambrose's version of "This Diamond Ring" or Helen Shapiro's "It's My Party."
This collection is obviously sketchy. But there were enough tracks I hadn't heard before to keep me interested. The other thing I noticed while listening was how little the arrangements changed once covered. Check out The Monkees "Valleri" and the first recording of that "world hit pop" by The Pineapple Heard. It's identical, right down to the "oh yeah, come on."
I also dug the verey garage-y first go of The Grass Roots smash "Midnight Confessions" by The Ever-Green Blues.
I regrettably got rid of my "Hanging On The Telephone" 45 by The Nerves.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the Originals Project, an entire site of this kind of thing, well-researched with rare label shots etc.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.originalsproject.us/
Bob in IL
the "Valeri" is pretty good. The Grass Roots song less so. 😎
ReplyDeleteIs there a source for this record? Cleveland Jeff
ReplyDeleteIt's a blog that I subscribe to. Here's the link, though not sure you will have access.
Deletehttps://rollhotrodroll.blogspot.com/?zx=63595c66d81351fb
This is a great rabbit hole. A question for the group. Do Motown artists that did "original" versions make the list? Common practice there was to have multiple artists record the same song.
ReplyDeleteThat bass line in Midnight Confessions always knocks me out. These were pretty cool, but I can see why the hit versions stuck to the same exact arrangements as the energy in the songs is still there.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the Grass Roots/Grassroots, 'Let's Live For Today' was originally by an Italian group, but the Roots' version's def the superior one.
ReplyDeleteC in California
Invite Only. Rats.
ReplyDeleteOh my god -- that Keith R cover of "Hickory Wind" is to die for. Thanks so much!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! I'd love to hear more.
ReplyDeleteLove that take on "Midnight Confessions." Whoever this singer is, he's committed.
ReplyDeleteBruce H.
Good songs, but wow... the hits are note for note copies. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, it's happened a lot, and it is proof of the original bands' talent.
ReplyDeletebtw... what was it that The Pineapple Heard?
Very cool
ReplyDeletebig on the follow up comments this week. Listened to Midnight Confession with the good speaker and how cool is that bass playing and how upfront in the mix. Eggggggscelent
ReplyDeleteBass Nerd third comment . Love the sound of those flat wound strings very thumpy and my wife just called me from downstairs to close the door to my office always a good sign that the music is good.
ReplyDeleteBW got a name check on another music blog and a link to the World Hit Pops album - which I didn't follow up on. I mean, there's only so much a man can stand! Cheers!
ReplyDelete