I’ve been fond of so many over the years, but I think my all time favorite of any genre has to be The Limelighters. Their’s was the sound that filled the house during that critical pre-teen patterning. Three very unique voices combined into a luscious three-part harmony that was so much more than any single voice, even Glen Yarborough’s, tho he went on to a successful solo career. Combine that sound with Alex’s stunning instrumentals and Lou’s nutzoid bridging commentary and performance…(his version of “Have Some Madeira, m’dear is an all-time best.) … it’s just hard to beat. It’s so very thrilling to have something like YouTube where great performances by so many artists are being revived. Thanks to my “little” brother for putting me on to these videos. The following is absolutely amazing quality…and I absolutely love the second song. It’s fun to see them at all stages of their career and different circumstances. There’s a reunion one up there from the late 70′s early 80′s that’s home vid from a nightclub. They all have beards and of the three, the voice that’s gotten the most interesting belongs to the good-looking Alex.
10 Responses to “Who was your favorite singer/band?”
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I have a thing for John Mayer. Every time he puts out something new–I think to myself. No way. Not interested. But it only takes one listen and he’s got me picking up the album–and I am mostly a classical music person.
Why him? The lyrics. Not always perfect, but something honest in them. A touch of something true.
Both my parents had broad and divergent musical tastes, so I never locked onto a single style. I find it pleasant to play ragtime and big band to people who grew up in those eras (the ragtime lovers nearly gone, alas). If you like railroad music, Railroad Tycoon III, at its current low price, is worth it just for the music, all in mp3. For folk music, aren’t you just ready for The Garden Song?
Inch by inch, row by row
Gonna make this garden grow….
I, too, love something in about any genre, from classical to hard rock. This video was just a real “feel good” blast from the past.
It depends on the genre who my favorites have been over the years. My parents were fans of country music in it’s worst era, but there were still musicians I liked. For hymns it’s always been Tennesee Ernie Ford. I listened to a variety of artists one day on YouTube singing Wayfaring Stranger and he was the best. (Someone had a collection of different musicians singing the same song.) His voice was smooth and easy on the ears.
Thanks ever so much for the link! What a wonderful way to start a day. I did find the Madiera song and was amazed. I had only ever heard it at cons. You’re right. He even beats out my favorite filker, but not by much.
My father loved Glen Yarborough and did a fair impersonation. My all time favorite is the one and only Peggy Lee:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYxoAJ3Boyc
I was a Peter, Paul, and Mary girl. And Tom Paxton. And Joan Baez, of course. Back on her first or second album, on “Old Blue,” when she sang “o-old Blu-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-e . . . you good dog, you” and held that high note about a year.
But mostly these days I like chamber music — Mozart, and Pachelbel, and Beethoven — those old guys.
Funny, I was just looking at videos last weekend… my all time, doubtless never-to-be-altered favorite band was Queen, when fronted by the incomparable Freddie Mercury. And I must say, any band that can do vocal harmony has my immediate attention. Love voices, particularly male.
One of my favorites is Madison, WI-based Sunspot, for their rock-out style, intelligent wordplay, and sci-fi references. They are not filkers, but are unabashed about their fannish roots. Their song about Scott Bakula was played at that worthy’s 50th b-day. This video brings to mind one of those old Sci-Fi Channel station ID breaks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckwe8glOy_k
Another Midwest regional 80s-style powerpop group that I like, that seems to be destined for greater things, is The Melismatics. This Minneapolis group has made several appearances at Summerfest. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFVwLVTbGw4 Even in this “words-strung-together” song, a la INXS’s “Mediate”, their smart wordsmithing is evident, and I love the visual bit with the “Clapper”.
Sunspot? Oooooo….somebody new to check out! There are some absolutely phenomenal singers/groups that have come out of the fannish roots, whether we’re talking soloists or groups. I love filking. Have been kind of distant from it for years, but we’re doing spider on a mirror style finger pushups trying to get our guitar-playing fingers back in trim. Our voices…well, that’s another story.
I couldn’t pick one singer, song, or band, but when the time comes, I want the Stones “You Can’t Always Get What You Want…” for my dirge