Friday, February 13, 2009

Valentines Day: The Love Songs

A list of diverse, whimsical, and serious love songs, celebrating the bliss of love as well as the pangs of love, but in no particular order. Enjoy:

1) "My Funny Valentine" - Chet Baker









My Funny Valentine (Remastered 04) (2004 Digital Remaster) - Chet Baker


2) "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" - Dusty Springsfield.
Originally from the 1969 film The Happy Ending, this song has been performed by countless numbers of artists around the world, some of which have managed to destroy it completely. Dusty to the rescue! Her version, and that of Alison Moyet, are the two best vocal versions I know. Pat Martino and Bill Evans - the best instrumental renditions.









What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? - Dusty Springfield



3) No introduction needed here.





4) "I Love You" - Climax Blues Band
I love this song:0)









I Love You - Climax Blues Band



5) "She's Always a Woman" - Billy Joel
This is one of Joel's best compositions. Even my old piano teacher praised him for putting more thought (more than just three cords) into his music.





6) Many people don't like this song. But I, being a huge Bee Gees fan, think it's one of their best.









Baby As You Turn Away - Bee Gees



7) "Did You Call Me" - John Barry. This very talented composer has a knack for creating intensely melodic compositions. Listen to the sax in this song from the film The Specialist. Instead of the film it was written for, it will remind you of some romance in a film noir from the 1940's involving a shady detective wearing a fedora hat and a gray raincoat.





8) "Historia de Un Amor" - Yes, Latin romance does have a spot on this list. Eydie Gorme with Los Tres Panchos.
I love the rhythm of this song. Listen to how it changes when the chorus swings around.




9) And finally, a newbie...of a sort:
"Kissing" - Bliss
I heard this one (I think) on the radio some time last year. It's got this mellow, echoey feel to it. Unfortunately, this group, whose music I had never heard of before, was commandeered by the soundtrack of the Sex and the City chick-flick.

3 comments:

Melody K said...

My favorite will always be Elvis' "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You".

Tom in Vegas said...

Melody-

That is a good one! I should have included it on this list.

kitchu said...

good picks! though my all time fave joel song, ever, is Vienna (not exactly a pick for Vday though!)... happy heart day!! I lost your blog - it went off my bloglines, didn't realize the title had changed, guess that's why, I'm resaving you now!!