A "later" song with Gord's "earlier" voice?

[Dave, Melbourne,Australia]

To me, Gord's singing voice became "older" between the "East Of Midnight" album (1986) and his next album "Waiting For You" (1993). Which "later" song would you like to hear with his "earlier", rich, deep, strong voice? (Not necessarily to replace the album original, but just to compare how it may have sounded if Gord had recorded it when he was younger.)

I would vote for "End Of All Time", which is ironic, seeing as it's a song that was naturally MEANT to be written and sung by someone in their later years. The album original would be a good choice to be played at a funeral. (So would "Carefree Highway".)

[formerlylavender]

"Sometimes I Wish" from Harmony. I like the version as is but what a treat it would be to hear it with the "earlier" voice.

Good thread idea

[Auburn Annie]

Acoustic version of East of Midnight. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqSuiIQpu3c

[jj]

Originally Posted by formerlylavender

"Sometimes I Wish" from Harmony. I like the version as is but what a treat it would be to hear it with the "earlier" voice.

part of what we are doing is trying to see what cuts from last 3 albums might have sounded like with baritone vocal and so am glad you listed this one, Lisa... i suggested it to John a few times... ie. "we have to do his last recording!"

ive got about 8 off those last 3 albums that i hope are added to the tribute

here is what Inspiration Lady sounds like with a "less thin" vocal, although i like Gord's performance a lot on Harmony... and i think it's his best video too

Inspiration Lady - Lightfoot Tribute Benefit -...

[jj]

and how about this "early voice"?

Clouds Of Loneliness - Gordon Lightfoot Cover -...

isnt there software that can sample Gord's early vocal tones then search and replace on last three albums? i guess not so easily

i think Gord's phrasing (of both new and old tunes) is wonderful and maybe even more impressive in the last few decades than in the "early voice" era

note: Harmony album final cut came from pretty nicely performed guide vocal tracks...quite a Bob engineering feat

[jj]

hey dave

conversely, how about hearing some of gord's mid 70s heyday songs with his really early Piddlin' Pete or Ground Hog type voice? the Sundown LP would have been interesting!

Gordon Lightfoot - Song for the groundhog -...

[jj]

anyhow, to answer your question:

River of Light
Much to My Surprise
Only Love Would Know

[formerlylavender]

Hey, jj, I forgot about Inspiration Lady, I'd love to hear that one with the earlier vocals! I like the Lightfoot tribute benefit version you posted too, gives me an idea how it might sound.

I hope they listen to you and give "Sometimes I Wish" a try. If it ever happens, I'd love to hear it.

[BILLW]

Ringneck Loon!

Bill