So we've reached the last day of delving back into the NME's Ruby Trax compilation album, and to end it all we have three songs that couldn't sound more different. Back to the more obscure on monday.
Marc Almond - Like A Prayer The Detroit-born Queen of pop gets covered here. The superb and highly controversial 1989 number one receives a stylish reworking-with a New Orleans style brass section to boot-by Marc Almond who gives it faith, passion and great crooning bits as befits a singer who has given us breathtaking interpretations of songs by everyone from Jacques Brel to Gene Pitney
Aztec Camera with Andy Fairweather-Low - Half As Nice Here we see history repeating itself. Andy Fairweather-Low, as well as being a successful solo artist, was the lead singer of Amen Corner, who took "Half As Nice" to number one the first time round in 1969. Now he joins up with Aztec Camera's Roddy Frame for a soulful retake on the original. Incidentally, Aztec Camera are also noted for their incredable Lou Reed-style version of Van Halen's classic "Jump".
Billy Bragg - When Will I See You Again? In 1974, the Three Degrees took this to the top spot and Barking's king of the red check shirt recreates the sultry atmosphere of the discotheque in this funky new version. The Three Degrees were Prince Charles' favourite act; it is beleived that Bill-is not
1 comment:
Thanks a lot for the Ruby Trax compilation. I wasn't aware of it's existence so it's a real find for me. Love the Suede and Curve contributions, to name but two.
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