Poll: Version Battle - Your Song

[Mike]

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...

[Amsterdam Russ]

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.

[Smudger]

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.

[Douglaschip]

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.

[Steviehay]

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 

[Soulfusion]

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. 

[Westender]

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.

[Soulman58]

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

[Wayoutgirl]

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.

 

[Merve]

Dells for me. No disrespect to Laura or The Tops but they don't come close on this one.

[Dave2]

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.

[Tomangoes]

Dells all the way. Loved it on first hearing it.

Not bad for a disco record!

Ed

[Gold Band]

Dells for me, Brenda Holloway did a nice version CD only tho (My Love Is Your Love CD)

I Agree with you Ed..... Disco

[davidwapples]

I went for the four tops version as it was the first that I heard and liked

[Soulfinger]

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!

[Midnight Drifter]

Tough one as pointed out already.. Went for Dells as this is the most consistent version to me..

[Floyd]

Laura Lee for me, reminds me of Yate when it was played as a new release

ATB

Floyd

Edited January 22, 2022 by Floyd

[Mike]

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 

[Mike]

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  

[Lord Emsworth]

Dells for me