Mike Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 A suggestion by Douglas aka @Douglaschip gives us this the latest version battle This time around it's the great song... 'Your Song' For this 'battle' there are three versions of this great song to think about, as before if you wish to take part all you have to do is have a think/listen and then simply select your choice via the poll Laura Lee (1979 First release) The Dells (July 1980) The Four Tops (May 1984) Your Song - Laura Lee Your Song - The Dells Your Song - Four Tops The poll will end in approx. 5 days As always feel free to comment below on your choices, stories, your history with the tracks and so on... Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Amsterdam Russ Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I bought the Four Tops' version on 12" as a new release in 1984 and have never liked it (although I still have it for some reason). Perhaps if I'd bought the 7" mix, my view might have been different - although I doubt it. At that time I'd heard people say it was a cover of a Dells song, but it was some time before I actually heard it. Don't like that either - and a bit too 'discofied' for my liking as well. Laura Lee's take is by far the most pleasing to these ears, but I think it's one of those situations it doesn't matter who sings it, I just don't like the song. Strange that, and I couldn't tell you why, but I just don't like it. Anyway, Laura gets my vote. 1 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Smudger Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I have all 3 on 45, acquired the dells 1st and then the 4 Tops in a second hand shop for 50p.Then going through Anglo American catalogue in the nineties saw Laura’s version for £5 so bought 5 copies which I have since passed on to other collectors. This is a near impossible choice for me Marvin or Levi can’t vote for both so I will go for the Mighty Dells as this was my 1st copy and just love The Dells. It still feels an uncomfortable decision though. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Douglaschip Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 As above - have all three versions and the Four Tops definitely better on the 7inch! Tough decision we have had a few family polls on this one and never get the same decision. In the end Four Tops for me - Levi's vocal so effortless and also a bit less disco than the Dells. But could quite easily be a different choice next week. Also have to factor in that Laura's version was first. Oh no might be changing my mind!! Adam. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Steviehay Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 all 3 here to albeit Laura on 12,a very slim margin to choose Laura's missing a bit of bite to it even though first one i bought,so to the other two four tops Levis voice stands out as per norm ,but just because its the mighty Dells its this one that snatches it for me Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Soulfusion Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Oh dear. This is a tricky one. Three classic and feted artists and a song recorded at a time when instrumentation took a back seat to disco rhythm patterns. Clearly this recording is none of the selected artists' best and, some may argue, recorded after these artists best years. For me Laura Lee has always excelled with slower material where she can wring the full emotion from a song so that leaves me to select from The Dells and The Tops. The disco arrangements are fairly similar so the choice is between the better lead voice of Levi Stubbs or the excellent Dell harmonies. This is real toss of a coin stuff but, for me, The Four Tops edge it. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Westender Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 The use of syndrums in the Dells version rules that out. I love the Dells and Marvin is one of the great singers but those annoying interventions just ruin it for me. Laura's version is fine enough but I dont think this is her at her best. Which leaves the Tops. Levi is in great form and the arrangement does enough without being overblown. I'll go for them. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Soulman58 Posted January 20, 2022 Share Posted January 20, 2022 This takes me back. Purchased the Dells LP, cheap, whilst visiting girlfriend of the time in Tours/France. That didn't last long but LP still on the shelf. Can't say it is the best track on the LP but it is my favourite version Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Wayoutgirl Posted January 20, 2022 Share Posted January 20, 2022 Love the Dells and always have thought Levi Stubbs' voice is sublime and would normally always edge me towards the Four Tops however for me The Dells narrowly claim my vote. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Merve Posted January 20, 2022 Share Posted January 20, 2022 Dells for me. No disrespect to Laura or The Tops but they don't come close on this one. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dave2 Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 Not keen on synth drum type sounds on soul records, reminds me of disco cheese - don't know why, so not the Dells. Four Tops sounds alright, but the simple chorus on Laura Lee's version just sounds lighter and fresher, a bit more uplifting - thus meets my tiny dance brain's approval. Laura it is. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Tomangoes Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 Dells all the way. Loved it on first hearing it. Not bad for a disco record! Ed Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Gold Band Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 Dells for me, Brenda Holloway did a nice version CD only tho (My Love Is Your Love CD) I Agree with you Ed..... Disco Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
davidwapples Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 I went for the four tops version as it was the first that I heard and liked Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Soulfinger Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 The Dells for me. It was the first version I heard. I can't remember where I was but, I was somewhere on a dance floor thinking: this is the Dells, how do I not know this. Great song! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Midnight Drifter Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 Tough one as pointed out already.. Went for Dells as this is the most consistent version to me.. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Floyd Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 (edited) Laura Lee for me, reminds me of Yate when it was played as a new release ATB Floyd Edited January 22, 2022 by Floyd Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 23, 2022 Author Share Posted January 23, 2022 last 24 hours before closure looking like The Dells has got it though a decent race for second place So your vote can still count Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 24, 2022 Author Share Posted January 24, 2022 all over now and The Dells take ends up on top As always views on the result, the poll and so on most welcome The next poll will be along shortly (late in the week) thanks to all for taking part 1 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Lord Emsworth Posted February 23, 2022 Share Posted February 23, 2022 Dells for me Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
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