I really dislike it when someone develops a new arrangement for a song (of course, I guess that there isn't much point in covering a song if you just do it the same way as the original artist, maybe that means I think most covers shouldn't be attempted). Actually, some covers turn out better than the original, but I don't believe that has ever happened with a Gord song. I think the way Gord does them is the way he meant them to be, so I really don't like the Ian & Sylvia version of Early Morning Rain and the many others who used the same arrangement. It's not that the versions are terrible (I especially don't mind Elvis' version), but I don't see the point since Gord's versions are his original vision.
I also don't care for Elwood's new Sundown version. It was encouraging that they kept the chorus unchanged, but I just don't like rap.
Another artist to mention is Tony Rice. I really like a lot of his covers, he sings well and keeps the flavor of the songs, but some of them are a little too country. I know this is his style, and I listen to a lot of country music, but I don't like the way Gord's songs sound if they are made TOO country.
Well, enough of my opinions. Great topic.
[This message has been edited by young stranger (edited February 02, 2001).]
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