Welcome to Winning Hand:
THREE OF A KIND + TWO PAIRS!
In this edition of the series, I have posted a combination
of original recordings, covers and sound-alikes. Please
tell me which version or versions you prefer.
of original recordings, covers and sound-alikes. Please
tell me which version or versions you prefer.
I might be a wild card and
a joker... but I'm no poker.
Therefore, without further delay, I will introduce
the kings and queens of song in today's post.
the kings and queens of song in today's post.
Remember, ladies and gentlemen...
This is only an exhibition...
This is not a competition...
Please... no wagering.
This is not a competition...
Please... no wagering.
ANI DiFRANCO
Let's begin with "Wishin' And Hopin," a song composed by Hal David and Burt Bacharach
and most famously waxed by Dusty Springfield, a top 5 U.S. hit for the English songbird
in 1964. A version of the song was recorded in 1995 by Buffalo born singer/songwriter
Ani DiFranco and used for the opening credits of the 1997 Julia Roberts romantic
comedy film My Best Friend's Wedding. Along with the Austin Powers series,
My Best Friend's Wedding is responsible for renewing the popularity of the
Bacharach-David catalog in the 21st century. Watch the groovy opening
sequence to what has been called the quintessential ’90s flick--
My Best Friend's Wedding.
and most famously waxed by Dusty Springfield, a top 5 U.S. hit for the English songbird
in 1964. A version of the song was recorded in 1995 by Buffalo born singer/songwriter
Ani DiFranco and used for the opening credits of the 1997 Julia Roberts romantic
comedy film My Best Friend's Wedding. Along with the Austin Powers series,
My Best Friend's Wedding is responsible for renewing the popularity of the
Bacharach-David catalog in the 21st century. Watch the groovy opening
sequence to what has been called the quintessential ’90s flick--
My Best Friend's Wedding.
"Wishin' And Hopin'" - Ani DiFranco
(OST of June 1997 film My Best Friend's Wedding)
Instead of posting Dusty Springfield's original recording of "Wishin' And Hopin',"
which I am sure you have heard many times, I want to entertain you with
cover videos - not one, but two amazing "homemade" custom remakes
of the opening credits from My Best Friend's Wedding. First here's a
video produced in 2013 for an actual wedding as a surprise for
the groom. I wish I'd been there to see the look on his face!
which I am sure you have heard many times, I want to entertain you with
cover videos - not one, but two amazing "homemade" custom remakes
of the opening credits from My Best Friend's Wedding. First here's a
video produced in 2013 for an actual wedding as a surprise for
the groom. I wish I'd been there to see the look on his face!
"Wishin' And Hopin'" - Ani DiFranco
(OST of June 1997 film My Best Friend's Wedding,
Sept. 2013 homemade remake video)
Sept. 2013 homemade remake video)
Now here are fine performances by a group of younger ladies, members
of the Wollan family, doing their interpretation of the song in a video
produced in 2010 for a big brother's wedding. Imagine his surprise!
of the Wollan family, doing their interpretation of the song in a video
produced in 2010 for a big brother's wedding. Imagine his surprise!
"Wishin' And Hopin'" - Ani DiFranco
(OST of June 1997 film My Best Friend's Wedding,
June 2010 homemade remake video)
June 2010 homemade remake video)
MILLIE FOSTER
In the early 60s, before she became a jazz and gospel vocalist, Wichita, Kansas,
zinger Millie Foster recorded excellent deep soul ballads and up tempo R&B sides
in New York. On some of her recordings Millie Foster reminds me of Tina Turner.
zinger Millie Foster recorded excellent deep soul ballads and up tempo R&B sides
in New York. On some of her recordings Millie Foster reminds me of Tina Turner.
Check out the Tina Turner style on Millie's first single, "Love Wheel" released
in the fall of 1962, a record that was way ahead of its time. This gal smokes!
in the fall of 1962, a record that was way ahead of its time. This gal smokes!
"Love Wheel" - Millie Foster
(Nov. 1962, uncharted)
JOSIE AND
THE PUSSYCATS
Millie Foster's "Love Wheel" missed the chart, but it reminds me of three other
hits - James Brown's "Night Train," Roy Head's "Treat her Right" and "Money
(That's What I Want)," the 1959 Barrett Strong single that became Motown's
first hit. I found this cool cover of "Money" by Josie and the Pussycats,
the fictional all-girl pop band that was featured in a comic book and
and starred in their own Saturday morning animated TV series.
Three singers were cast to record songs as Josie and the Pussycats:
Kathleen Dougherty as Josie, Cherie Moor (future Charlie's Angels
main cast member Cheryl Ladd) as Melody and Patrice Holloway,
younger sister of Motown vocalist Brenda Holloway, as Valerie.
In 2001 Josie and the Pussycats were recast for a feature film
that starred Rachael Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson and Tara
Reid. Kay Hanley of the band Letters to Cleo did the vocals
hits - James Brown's "Night Train," Roy Head's "Treat her Right" and "Money
(That's What I Want)," the 1959 Barrett Strong single that became Motown's
first hit. I found this cool cover of "Money" by Josie and the Pussycats,
the fictional all-girl pop band that was featured in a comic book and
and starred in their own Saturday morning animated TV series.
Three singers were cast to record songs as Josie and the Pussycats:
Kathleen Dougherty as Josie, Cherie Moor (future Charlie's Angels
main cast member Cheryl Ladd) as Melody and Patrice Holloway,
younger sister of Motown vocalist Brenda Holloway, as Valerie.
In 2001 Josie and the Pussycats were recast for a feature film
that starred Rachael Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson and Tara
Reid. Kay Hanley of the band Letters to Cleo did the vocals
for Rachael Leigh Cook's Josie on the movie soundtrack and
the CD. Here is a hybrid video with the song "Money" from
the 2001 film edited to footage from the early 70s TV series.
the CD. Here is a hybrid video with the song "Money" from
the 2001 film edited to footage from the early 70s TV series.
"Money (That's What I Want)" Josie and the Pussycats
(from OST of Apr. 2001 film Josie and the Pussycats,
video from orig. 1970-71 animated TV series)
KISS
In 1979 Kiss proved that even a hard rock band could write a disco song
and achieve a hit with it. They recorded "I Was Made For Lovin' You"
and the rest is Kisstory. "I Was Made..." brushed the top 10,
making it their third most successful single. Two Kiss
ballads, "Beth" and "Forever," the latter co-written
by Michael Bolton, cracked the top 10.
"I Was Made For Lovin' You" - Kiss
(June/July '79, highest cht pos. #9 Cash Box/#11 Hot 100)
SILENZIUM
If you can believe your eyes and ears, check out Silenzium, an all female classical
string quartet based in Russia. Their cover of the Kiss klassic is one of the most
fascinating videos on YouTube. The song starts at the 1:15 mark but I urge
you to watch from the beginning before the ladies start Breaking Bad.
"I Was Made For Lovin' You"
Kiss cover by Silenzium (Oct. 2017)
SONG BEGINS AT 1:15 MARK!
I think these musical
kings and queens are aces!
kings and queens are aces!
Do you agree?
Have a Shady day!
Silenzium is certainly much better on the eyes!
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex!
DeleteYou did it again, good buddy. You're the early bird for this post. Thanks a lot for swinging by on a Sunday!
If you meant that those Russian musicians are easier on the eyes than Gene Simmons and his Kissmates, then I totally agree. Those lovely ladies really rocked the block with their classical interpretation of "I Was Made For Loving You," didn't they?
Thanks again for dropping in, good buddy Alex, and enjoy the week ahead!
A lot of entertaining stuff in these videos today, Shady. Both homemade covers of "Wishin' and Hopin'" were fun to watch. Loved that ring pop in the second. :D
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed hearing Millie Foster - quite a voice!
I can't say I was ever a great fan of KISS. I didn't mind some of their songs, but the band members always kinda grossed me out. Maybe it was just Gene Simmons and that nasty tongue. đŸ™„
It's a rainy day in Arkansas, thanks to Barry... but I'm not complaining. I feel for those on the Gulf Coast and along the Mississippi River.
Hi, Kelly!
DeleteThank you very much for coming by on day one as Shady plays his Winning Hand: Three of a Kind + Two Pairs!
I'm happy to know you enjoyed the post in general and singled out the custom made video productions of "Wishin' And Hopin'" made by those women and girls. Keep in mind the video starring those little ladies of the Wollan family as bride and bridesmaids was produced in June 2010. Nine years have passed, and there's a good chance one of more of those girls have walked down the aisle for realsies by now.
I am not surprised to learn that you don't like Gene Simmons' 20-foot tongue. I am pleasantly surprised that your ears hear what mine hear in that Millie Foster recording. She was the real deal, a budding Tina Turner, and deserved a greater measure of success.
I am also pleased to learn that your area was spared the worst of Barry. Prayers needed for the flood stricken residents in its direct path. Did you bring your outdoor dogs inside to hang out with Pat during this rainy spell?
Thanks again for your visit and comment, dear friend Kelly!
Ha! No....Pat has his hands full trying to whip Alice and Mabel into shape. The outside 7-pack are content to hang out in the carport. All this rain is a reprieve from 90+ heat and humidity for them.
DeleteHi again, Kelly!
DeleteThat's our situation here in Florida. Rain is always welcome because it takes a bite out of the spring and summer heat and helps ease the chronic drought. That said, we do not look forward to a Barry or a Katrina.
Please tell Pat, that wonderful male dog of yours, that Shady says hello. :) Enjoy the week ahead, dear friend!
I've never understood the appeal of My Best Friend's Wedding. Cameron Diaz gave a star-making performance, and it's worth seeing for that reason, as well as for Rupert Everett in another star-making performance, and Julia was in good form, but Dermot Mulroney (whom I've liked in a lot of other films) came across as bit too much of a jerk for these two women to be competing over. I know, that's just one actor out of four but it forms the crux of the plot, and...Wait, this is about "Wishing and Hoping", huh? Um, sorry Ani, but I still prefer Dusty's version. I did find the pre-teen girls opening credits version homage a hoot. That this was parodied TWICE on YouTube makes me think DiFranco's version, at least visually, is now more well-known than Springfield's.
ReplyDeleteI liked this new version of "Money (That's What I Want)" It's almost as good as the Beatles version.
I have no idea what the Russian music scene is like, but had this been an American classical string quartet, I would have said this was a blatant commercially-driven crossover attempt, albeit done tongue-in-cheek so as to (unsuccessfully) hide the fact that it's a blatant commercially-driven crossover attempt. Sound's like I didn't like it, huh? Actually, I DID like it, but that's the thought that ran through my head.
Hi, Kirk!
DeleteThanks a lot for dropping in, good buddy!
I don't think I ever watched My Best Friend's Wedding. Chick flicks, date movies and romcoms aren't my favorite genres. In other words, I tend to avoid films with the word "Wedding" in the title. The word "Paris" in the title is another deal-breaker, unless the title happens to be "The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms That Ate Paris." Anyway I'm excited to learn that you enjoyed the three versions of the opening credits using the song "Wishin' And Hopin'"... even though you prefer Dusty's original to the recording made for the OST by Ani DiFranco. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that the Ani DiFranco version is better known by members of generations X, Y and Z, because the hit movie's iconic opening title sequence went viral and many people have been inspired to produce their own homemade versions and put them on YouTube.
I'm also delighted that you like the cover of "Money" recorded by Kay Hanley of the band Letters to Cleo for use in the 2001 film Josie And The Pussycats, another film I have not yet seen. Have you?
I am also jazzed to know that you like the (torture) chamber music played by the Russian classical string quartet Silenzium. Keep in mind that Gene Simmons never does anything "tongue-in-cheek." It's always hanging down below his waist and dripping blood. :) Here's a tidbit for you. 40 years ago today, the Kiss original of "I Was Made For Loving You" was breaking into the top 20 on Cash Box on its way to a top 10 finish.
Thanks again for joining the fun on your Sunday, good buddy Kirk, and have a great week!
Hi Shady,
ReplyDeleteOdd! My first post didn't post. UGH! >_< Sunday, Sunday, Sunday and the Sunday before vacay!
Silenzium - the best of both worlds of two of my favourite genres. Heavy metal and classical - love it! I know many heavy metal artists are trained in classical music, I wonder if anyone in KISS was trained. I'll have to check out more from Silenzium.
I think all of these are aces! I love covers and I love comparing to the original songs. This post was fun.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteI'm happy to see you, dear friend. Thanks for coming!
I'm glad you appreciated Shady's Winning Hand. I wish Silenzium would continue to cover 80s rock and metal. They certainly created a new classic with their interpretation of "I Was Made...," the Kiss disco hit that is celebrating its 40th anniversary on the chart this month. I'm pleased to know you enjoy both versions.
It just occurred to me how many of my posts feature cool covers. I do a lot of scouting around on YouTube and it's amazing how many great covers I have found. Stay tuned because I have more volumes of Winning Hand coming your way soon.
I'm thrilled that you had fun here at Shady's Place, dear friend JM. Thanks again for dropping in and have a super week!
Happy Sunday Shady! Fun stuff on this summer night. I really enjoyed the versions of wishing and hoping...especially the homemade ones! What a great idea and yes I would enjoy seeing the faces of the grooms. I laughed when I saw the ring pop on the "brides" finger..too cute. I found "Silenzium really cool. Such a different take on a classic. Time to hit the hay and ready myself for work tomorrow and the Oregon crew on Wednesday...busy time but so looking forward to seeing them! Take care Shady and stay cool! (wait, you were born cool!)
ReplyDeleteHi, Yaya!
DeleteThanks for making time for a Sunday visit, dear friend! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed finding out what Shady had up his sleeve in volume 3 of his series Winning Hand.
Like you I am very impressed by those remakes of the opening credits of My "BFF's" Wedding. Although "homemade," they were slick, professional productions with excellent sets, costumes, lighting, acting and lip sync performances. Those little Wollan girls are surely in their early 20s by now. For all we know, every one of them is hitched. If you continue watching the video past the end of the "Wishin' And Hopin'" song, you come to the song "Build Me Up Buttercup" and a BTS "making of" segment that contains bloopers and outtakes from the production. You also get to see mom and dad Wollan who obviously put lots of hard work into making the family's "My Big Brother's Wedding" video.
I am also pleased that you enjoyed Silenzium covering Kiss. Once again the production, video and sound quality are top notch - a thoroughly enjoyable concept and performance and a new classic in its own right.
I hope you don't have the remnants of T.S. Barry to deal with on Wednesday when your family members arrive from the Pacific N.W. I hope you find them in good health and in good spirits and that you all have a wonderful time catching up. I hope Arnie takes to them.
Thanks again for your visit and excellent comment, dear friend YaYa!
Tom,
ReplyDeleteAll three cover videos of Dusty's song were fun to watch, especially the last one with the children which was really cute. You're not going to believe it but I have the very same SILENZIUM mewsic video slated as part of my 4M playlist and I thought of you when I picked it out, too. I knew that you would like it and I was right here it is on your blog. Darn, I wish I could've been the one to introduce you to them first but I'm happy that you discovered them. They are fabulous, aren't they? Thanks for getting me chair boogieing this morning and have an furtastic week, my friend!
Hi, Cathy!
DeleteI'm excited to see you, dear friend. Thanks for coming by!
I am happy to know you share my appreciation of the three versions of "Wishin' And Hopin'" - a battle of video covers. All three use the same soundtrack, a capable cover of Dusty's original updated 35 years later by Ani DiFranco. I don't know about you, but I am seeing more and more families getting into the act on YouTube, producing and uploading homemade cover videos like these, and keeping folks like us well stocked with goodies to share on our blogs.
It doesn't surprise me that you found that same video cover by Silenzium and have it in the pipeline to present in an upcoming 4M post. It has been clear for a long time that you and I have similar taste in mewsic. Those Russian women are indeed a Fab Four. I hope you will follow through and post their video so that your readers will be exposed to it. After all, you have dozens of followers that don't follow Shady's Place, and your reach also extends to Facebook and other social media, giving you even more sharing opportunities.
I hope your week is off to a tunetastic start. Thanks again for joining the fun, dear friend Cathy!
Ok I love the gals who did the cake ver version of the Kiss song. They are excellent! I wonder what kind of bass that is because it is unique looking that’s for sure. Kiss is always fun to watch even though I remember when they finally took off their masks and everyone went ..ichhhhhh. I like Josie and the Pussycats and had no idea Cheryl Ladd was part of this.. I like this song but only knew the Beatles and the remake in the 80s. The cover versions of this song are fun and they must have watched the opening 100s of times to get everything right. The movie is an ok romcom but nothing earth shattering. The best is Rupert Everett
ReplyDeleteHi, Birgit!
DeleteHow are you today, dear friend? Thanks for coming down to experience Winning Hand: Three of a Kind + Two Pairs Up Shady's Sleeve. (Even with all those extra cards, I don't think Shady's playing with a full deck.)
Thanks for giving a mini review of My Best Friend's Wedding. I haven't seen the film. I saw Muriel's Wedding because the soundtrack was filled with ABBA songs. I also saw Four Weddings and a Funeral. Other than those two, I haven't seen any movies with "Wedding' in the title including Adam Sandler's The Wedding Singer, nor did I watch the 1981 TV series The Brady Brides. :)
I'm pleased that you enjoyed the classical treatment given that Kiss hit by the four Russian musicians. I met Kiss during their unmasked period and watched them do their hair and apply their makeup at vanity mirrors in the dressing room of a large Tampa Bay venue when they performed in 1986. I have always wondered if Gene Simmons' tongue is insured by Lloyd's of London. Happen to know for sure? :)
Yessum, I too was surprised to learn that Cheryl Ladd (real name Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor), using another stage name - Cherie Moor - was the singing voice of the character Melody on Josie & The Pussycats. Kathleen Dougherty, the voice of Josie, didn't actually sing lead very often. Cheryl and Patrice shared lead vocals on most of the act's songs. I agree that The Beatles did a fine rendition of "Money."
Thanks again for your kind visit and comment, dear friend BB!
Both "I Was Made For Lovin You" versions are equally awesome and is therefore a tie in my judgement, friend Shady. That goes for the presented versions o "Wishin and Hopin" … except the kiddie performance which gives me the creeps, much like baby beauty contests do … My reasoning, you ask? Too many pedophiles on the loose. The middle mediocre versions of "Money" are just that: Middle mediocre. Anyway, much love, cat.
ReplyDeleteHi, cat!
DeleteThanks for coming to the party, dear friend. I'm pleased to see you!
You're a touch critic, cat, but that's AOK. Your honesty is appreciated, and when you do express praise for an artist or song, it means all the more. I'm glad you enjoy both versions of "I Was Made..." Most of the other readers had the same reaction and I like both performances, too.
Regarding the little girls performing "Wishin' And Hopin'" in wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses, I understand why it makes some people feel uncomfortable to see underage girls dressing and acting like women. The world has changed a lot in the years since the JonBenét Ramsey murder, for example. Many people have come to view child beauty pageants in a different light. What used to seem perfectly innocent and was widely accepted by society now makes many people cringe.
I'm sorry Millie Foster and Josie & The Pussycats didn't ring your bell. I have another batch of tunes coming this Saturday and maybe your ears will find something they like better in that post.
Thanks again for coming down and weighing in on this week's set of songs, dear friend cat. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Hi Shady!
ReplyDeleteI’ve enjoyed many Julia Roberts’ films, and “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” was no exception. Except, I’ve never been into fluffy expensive weddings. I’d trade the pomp and circumstance for a well pump and barn dance any day ;-) I did enjoy the homemade videos, but no one does it quite like Dusty.
Millie Foster was talented! I’m surprised we’ve not heard more about her.
Speaking of Saturday morning toons, didn’t KISS make an appearance on Scooby-Doo?
I loved the song “Beth” before I saw the band KISS on video. That was hard to get over ;-) Then, I settled in to just being amazed at how they managed to remain upright on platform shoes. And how did all that makeup stay on? You’re right, “I was made for loving you” was not a bad attempt at a crossover. I think both KISS and SILENZIUM gave unique and compelling performances that rendered the song itself irrelevant.
Enjoy July!
Hi, diedre!
DeleteI'm delighted to see you, dear friend. Thanks for visiting!
I'm glad you enjoyed those high quality custom made MBFW videos. Big weddings aren't my thing either. Mrs. Shady and I actually got married in our condo with only a few family members (including our two zebra finches) present as witnesses.
I'm pleased that you enjoyed Tina Turner sound-alike Millie Foster doing her best known yet uncharted recording "Love Wheel." I was shocked to learn it was released in the fall of 1962. To my ears it sounds more like a mid 60s R&B single. It certainly was ahead of its time.
I didn't watch Scooby-Doo, but I am sure you are correct about Kiss appearing on the show. I urge you to watch the 1978 Hanna-Barbera TV movie Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park. In the film, Peter sings his big hit "Beth." Kiss meets the Phantom is one of those movies that is so bad... it's great. "Jack Abbott" from The Young & The Restless also has a featured role in the goofy flick. I don't know how the other members of the band kept their balance, but Gene merely extended his tongue to the ground for a stabilizing tripod effect. :)
I'm very happy you got some enjoyment from Shady's Winning Hand. I hope you will stay tuned because, beginning this Saturday, I will be marking my 11 year blogging anniversary. Great friend that you are, you have played a major role in keeping me inspired and committed to continue on with this project.
Thank you again for coming and enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend diedre!
Hi Shady...it's a Royal Flush to you on this one. I must agree with Kirk on the "Wishin' and Hopin". I know I've seen My Best Friend's Wedding, but don't remember the song being at the beginning. It's cute enough, for a movie opening number. However, I enjoyed the pre-teen Wollan girls! They are more believable and entertaining. I'm sorry, but it's a no to the remake in 2013. And Dusty has them all beat-she's over the top!
ReplyDeleteJosie and the Pussycats are fun! I remember them, and their "Money" cover is excellent! Cool video, good job!
Kiss...YUM! I watched this one twice, Shady! Love songs don't have to be slow. The story line to this song is so enticing! I believed them! Fantastic vocals arrangement and musically sound! I didn't get a chance to enjoy this group back in the day. I was raising a baby, and going to college, haha! But it's never too late, is it!
And, on another positive note, Silenzium is just simply...! They had such attitude, and the Bass Player is so rowdy! Great musicians and makeup for their cover presentation! Thumbs up plus!
It's all good, dear Shady! That Millie Foster does remind me a bit of Tina, and also of a girl group whose name escapes me. I don't think I know the "Love Wheel" song, but it is a good one.
Thanks for the groovy deck of songs, Shady! I apologize for being late, but, I had to get to a place of 'no disturbance'! Have a great end of week, dear friend. We're still sizzling at 94 degrees here in the Lone Star state! ♫
Hi, Suzanne!
DeleteI'm very happy to see you, dear friend, and to know you are back home safely from your trip. Thanks for being here to watch and listen as Shady plays his Winning Hand!
First of all I need to caution you. This is only an exhibition. It is not a competition. Please -- no wagering! :) I'm delighted that you found so much to enjoy in this batch of covers and soundalikes. I'm glad you weren't put off by the little Wollan girls as was our friend cat. I think their parody video was produced in good taste and is innocent fun. Just think. Those girls are probably age 20 or older by now. I'll bet they still get a hoot from watching themselves in this slick production nine years ago.
I am thrilled that you give thumbs up to Millie Foster and to Josie And The Pussycats. As I stated in the text, the riff and the locomotive rhythm of "Love Wheel" reminds me of "Night Train" and "Treat her Right" as well as "Money."
Here's some trivia for you, dearie. 40 years ago this past week, July 12, 1979, to be exact, as the Kiss disco single "I Was Made For Loving You" was cracking the top 20 on its way to the top 10, hardcore rock fans who were fed up with disco attended Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Disco records were thrown on a bonfire in the outfield and a near riot broke out. That's how much of a backlash there was by that time against disco. Rockers truly hated it, as I am sure you recall. By the following year, the tide had turned. Disco was dead and rock, New Wave and pop metal hair bands were starting to catch fire (figuratively). Getting back to the post, I'm thrilled that you enjoyed those Russian musicians covering "I Was Made..." with authority and making it their very own.
It was dang hot here in Central Florida today. It felt like mid 90s, probably the hottest day of the season so far. I'm so glad you could set aside time for a visit this evening, Suzanne, and I hope you and Scootie had a great time out of town. I invite you back here this Saturday when I will observe my 11th anniversary as a blogger. I hope you can stop by. Take care, dear friend, and thanks again for being here!