An idiosyncratic blog dedicated to the precursors, the practioners, and the descendants of power pop.
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Wednesday, January 29, 2014
The Glory of the Human Voice
Barry Gibb and Jimmy Fallon(!)...
sing a medley of Everly Brothers songs on Late Night last week.
My respect for both of these guys has been increasing exponentially of late, I'll tell you that for free.
Fallon won my heart when he and Colbert performed "Friday," turning an annoying internet novelty hit into one of the great weekend anthems of all time.
I don't usually watch "American Idol" but I did catch it a few years ago when Barry was the guest, and he did "To Love Somebody" --- it gave me chills.
I think the reality is that the Gibbs are great musicians and songwriters. Their strength is also their Achilles heel: the tight, idiosyncratic falsetto and harmony singing. Some people can't stand it. I can only take so much of it. And when you see someone try to cover it or even reinterpret the songs, it seems ridiculous. I don't know how their songs will be perceived in another 20 years. But it is interesting to consider.
Well that put me in a good mood.
ReplyDeleteAlways thought Jimmy was cool, nice harmonies in the video. Glad to see Barry launching a tour, a lot of material there. Would like to catch this one.
ReplyDeleteWhat I want to know is what happened to Gibb's vibrato?
ReplyDeleteWell, that was utterly delightful.
ReplyDeleteFallon won my heart when he and Colbert performed "Friday," turning an annoying internet novelty hit into one of the great weekend anthems of all time.
I don't usually watch "American Idol" but I did catch it a few years ago when Barry was the guest, and he did "To Love Somebody" --- it gave me chills.
ReplyDelete"The First Of May" was one of Barry's best vocals
ReplyDeleteHis vibrato is best in the tune Words.
ReplyDeleteI think the reality is that the Gibbs are great musicians and songwriters. Their strength is also their Achilles heel: the tight, idiosyncratic falsetto and harmony singing. Some people can't stand it. I can only take so much of it. And when you see someone try to cover it or even reinterpret the songs, it seems ridiculous. I don't know how their songs will be perceived in another 20 years. But it is interesting to consider.
ReplyDeleteThe source:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpgo3Lkns5s
Damn, these guys were great. Note the little pre-Beatles style bow at the end.