Gord's Best Voice

[ANTHONY ROBERSON]

It seems to me that Gord has four distinct voice sounds.

Up until the album IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND, it's a voice that doesn't really venture to a really high or low note. Maybe because it accompanies a basically acoustic band while telling some awesome stories. For instance, if you think about it, you probably could sing IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND fairly well at a karaoke bar (without the feeling, depth and loss that his voice brings to that song, of course!).

From Don Quixote to Endless Wire, it seems Gord shows some excellent range, and maybe that's due to the influence of studio production coupled with the acoustic.

Dream Street Rose and Shadows (here's my favorite voice) reveal a matured, commanding, strong voice that leads you through some awesomely powerful, visual lyrics (Please kiss me gently darling where the river runs away...From the mountains in the springtime on a blue and windy day).

After that, his voice seems to get tinnier with age. It's a voice of a seasoned, weathered bard who now can reflect on matters of beauty, life, love and the world.

I may be overgenarlizing here, and I sure didn't mean to do all this typing, because all I meant to ask you was: On which album do you best like Lightfoot's voice?

[Dan O'Malley]

Not an unreasonable question! i've often thought this myself. Can't imagine Gord attempting "the mountains and maryann" these days, but a song like "restless" wouldn't have worked nearly as well in the 60's. Hard to pick a favourite period, cause its all good! but although my favorite album is "summerside of life", i LOVE his voice from ''83 onwards. Particularly on songs like "tattoo", "a passing ship" and "harmony" etc... its all good!!!

[Rob1956]

Have always thought thought that Gord was in "best voice" on the Shadows album. The entire album is recorded in a warm, very analog way. Quite a difference from the digitally recorded DSR. Yes, there's tape hiss evident on Shadows that's absent from DSR, but that's small potatoes. When I first put Salute on my turntable in 1983 I was shocked by the loss of the lower register I heard just one album before....Shadows. Yeah, he stopped drinking and lost, what, 30 pounds, but when does that change your voice so much. Very strange....

[Dave, Melbourne,Australia]

Good thread, Anthony. Also between IYCRMM and DQ were Summer Side Of Life and Old Dan's Records. I like Gord's singing best from ODR to Shadows, but especially on Sundown. Before these albums, I think his singing was compromised by less-than-perfect production. And after them, what it lost through ageing and long-term consequences of smoking and drinking has been balanced by improvisation and sheer effort.

[Jesse Joe]

I like the 5 early United Artist albums very much... Especially, "Did She Mention My Name."

Right thru the 70's his voice was very good, with all those hits.

But if I have to pick one and it's not an easy task, I would agree w/ you Anthony... "Dream Street Rose" (1980) Especially the song "If You Need Me."

[Unsettled 1]

An iteresting topic to be sure. I would have to say Gord was in great voice on "Cold On The Shoulder', but the Sundown through Dream Street Rose period was overall his strongest. As for losing weight, it definetely affects the voice, as the diaphragm is where the strength and depth of sound develops. Not too many skinny opera singers out there.

Brian

[youngstranger]

I like the voice he sometimes has in the UA days on the likes of The First Time very strong and powerful but not exactly suited to the '70s singer songwriter scene either.

[Shutup and Deal, I'm Losin']

Originally Posted by ANTHONY ROBERSON

Up until the album IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND, it's a voice that doesn't really venture to a really high or low note.

I know he hits some pretty high notes in 'Marie Christine'. (The highest I've ever heard him it, actually).

[joveski]

i like the late 70s, early 80's voice

[SevenOf61]

I would have to say, "Sundown/Sumertime Dream" timeframe as best, with his really early stuff a very close second for me.