Who Did It Better???

[WaltW]

Bill A, I agree with you on Nanci's version. She was good friends with Julie Gold that wrote From a Distance and apparently, from what I read, that the two of them worked together on Nanci's gesturing when singing the song on stage. There was an article written from an interview that Nanci had with Ralph Emery of Nashville Now variety show on TNN in 1990(est). that highlighted Nanci's and Julie's friendship. I was also a bit torn when Bette made the recording that went HUGE on the charts. I was happy for Julie Gold but a bit sad that Nanci didn't get the recognition she deserved(imho). Maybe it's just me but I'm not much of a fan of BM for numerous reasons

 

[Teleguy61]

Bill A, I agree with you on Nanci's version. She was good friends with Julie Gold that wrote From a Distance and apparently, from what I read, that the two of them worked together on Nanci's gesturing when singing the song on stage. There was an article written from an interview that Nanci had with Ralph Emery of Nashville Now variety show on TNN in 1990(est). that highlighted Nanci's and Julie's friendship. I was also a bit torn when Bette made the recording that went HUGE on the charts. I was happy for Julie Gold but a bit sad that Nanci didn't get the recognition she deserved(imho). Maybe it's just me but I'm not much of a fan of BM for numerous reasons

I went back and relistened and I found that Nanci's version was just beautiful--so soulful and true to the tune.
I have to change my vote.
Nanci.

 

[Prince of Darkness]

I'm guessing that most people think Joan Jet's version was the original



Bass player Terry Taylor is the only living member of The Arrows, he has had a long association with Bill Wyman, which includes playing rhythm and slide guitar in the band that Wyman put together to back Buddy Guy and Junior Wells at Montreux, in 1974, which was released as Drinkin' TNT 'n' Smokin' Dynamite. He was also a founding member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings.

​

​

 

[GGJaguar]

It may be a cover, but I have to go with Joan Jett.

 

[Rocky]

I had never heard the original until now, and I have to give it to The Arrows. I always thought Joan's sounded stiff and mechanical even though I like Joan's vocal delivery; there's a bit of a swing to the Arrows version.

Looks like the guitar player is playing a real-deal '58 or '59 Les Paul. A pricey guitar even then.

 

[walrus]

The Arrows for me!

 

[davismanLV]

Okay a tough one for me..... let me know your thoughts! I love you guys and gals!! So lets hear it, okay?



And then the composer..... Lordy!!

 

[GGJaguar]

I kinda like the bare bones production of the SC version better because it's easier to hear and focus on the vocals and lyrics.

 

[davismanLV]

I kinda like the bare bones production of the SC version better because it's easier to hear and focus on the vocals and lyrics.

She totally nails that song.... i think it kinda depends on my mood.... but that's life, I guess.... yeah?

 

[WaltW]

I'm on the fence with this one Tom. I'm a big fan of Shawn and her recording is perfectly in her style of singularity, just her and a guitar, But Paul is quite melodic in his voice and he is the originator of the song.
I just wonder, being aware of Paul's opinion of the quality of his singing voice, how many recordings were made before he decided this was the one for the album.

 

[chazmo]

Have we done this one? Fast Car... (Tracy Chapman, mid 80s). By the way, Tracy and I attended Tufts at this time. I saw her perform once on campus. Frankly, these performances are so similar that I don't really want to vote. I am amazed that Combs' version has been so popular 40 years later!

Luke Combs:


Tracy Chapman:

 

[walrus]

Okay a tough one for me..... let me know your thoughts! I love you guys and gals!! So lets hear it, okay?



And then the composer..... Lordy!!

Shawn Colvin. Easy for me. Not only is it a better version with just guitar (as WaltW said), I am not a fan of Simon's solo career.

 

[walrus]

Have we done this one? Fast Car... (Tracy Chapman, mid 80s). By the way, Tracy and I attended Tufts at this time. I saw her perform once on campus. Frankly, these performances are so similar that I don't really want to vote. I am amazed that Combs' version has been so popular 40 years later!

Luke Combs:


Tracy Chapman:

I agree, chazmo - it's the same verison! It shows how great Chapman's original was...

 

[GGJaguar]

I much prefer TChapman's version. It's far more meaningful being sung from a female perspective for one, but her vocals impart emotion that the LCombs version does not.

 

[davismanLV]

Tracy Chapman all the way!!

 

[Teleguy61]

Okay a tough one for me..... let me know your thoughts! I love you guys and gals!! So lets hear it, okay?



And then the composer..... Lordy!!

Shawn all the way.

 

[RGSmith265]

...... and on a similar theme, but then again very different!





Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

AK for sure.

 

[Midnight Toker]

I'm guessing that most people think Joan Jet's version was the original

Not me. I already knew that 95% of all of Joan Jett's hits are not the original.

 

[Bill Ashton]

Back to SC/PS, I will go with Shawn all the way, its the guitar that gets me, makes me want to learn that part!

 

[Bill Ashton]

AK for sure.

When I first starting getting into bluegrass guitar, and while recognizing this was a pop crossover, I played and played this tune to learn it!

Alison forever!