All I can think of tonight is the election, and that makes me hear the song “Save the Country” over and over in my head, like a mantra, like a prayer. So of course I went searching for a version to put in a post, because you’ve all seen the one of Laura on the Kraft Music Hall–which has been viewed more than 100,000 times on YouTube, by the way.
Forget the Fifth Dimension‘s take on the song–way too cheery (but love their clothes!). Lo and behold, I just discovered Bobby Darin’s live nightclub version (above). Darin was the guy who 1) Laura took her songs to early in her career (he had a publishing company), and he told her to go home and write something like “What Kind of Fool Am I.” When she returned, she played him “What Kind of Fool Are You.” 2) Hosted the Kraft Music Hall special, which remains the only extant video of Nyro performing in her early heyday.
I think Bobby’s version is surprisingly good–big band arrangement (a la Blood Sweat & Tears), heavy on the funk, and he’s in great voice.
Bottom line… Come on down to the glory river and vote for a big change in this country of ours. We’re definitely in need of salvation tomorrow.
This night and the rest of the next many years, unites us again as a country. I too, all week, keep thinking SAVE THE COUNTRY.
Too, ONE CHILD BORN AND A WORLD TO CARRY ON, when Obama’s grandmother passed away a day before he is elected. Talk about Spiritual huh?
This is so good. He got Laura he did. What a talent Mr. Darin.
My best recall of Bobby Darin, was sitting in a Deli off old Olive Street Road, plunkin in my nickle into the on table jute box to hear “Now that Maaaagggggiiiiiiesssss Back in TOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWNnnnnnnnnnn
Look out old maggie is BACK!!”
No no no, Jodester, it’s Macky, not Maggie– Mack the Knife!
It’s a VERY good thing that you’re doing this, Michele!
We like to see the flame being kept alive.
xo, Ira