Brian's favourite music

[MarcellaHasDirtyFeet]

There was an interview during the 70s where Brian said he loved George Harrison's and Ringo's solo stuff.

Man, the 70's really were a dark time for Brian...

I know what you are hinting at but you know, expressing large amount of emotion in singing doesn't equal to being a great performer. Sometimes, it doesn't even work (Joe Cocker, Tom Jones, Engelbert-sth., David Bowie) + you have to keep in mind that not everyone is gifted with such ability. If Ringo's voice is lifeless (not imo), he isn't to blame; there are lots of other criterias for liking (disliking) someone's voice, his being homely-comfy-friendly tone. No other singer, however emotive s/he sounds, will ever top his version of "...Help from My Friends". It's a fact.

Joe Cocker's version of "..Help from My Friends" was used as the theme song for the "Wonder Years" and I hated it 

Agreed. Made me hate Teh Beatles' version even more than Ringo did.

[bluesno1fann]

What's wrong with Joe Cocker's version of With A Little Help From My Friends? It's IMO the definitive version on the song, and it adds so much life to the song.

[MarcellaHasDirtyFeet]

Please don't say "definitive."

[retrokid67]

What's wrong with Joe Cocker's version of With A Little Help From My Friends? It's IMO the definitive version on the song, and it adds so much life to the song.

I just don't care much for him, and I agree with RangeRover about Ringo's version, when I hear the title of that song he's the first one I think of.  it's just like how I prefer Denny's version of YASB to his.  they both have raspy voices but sometimes (for me) Joe goes over the top 

[bluesno1fann]

What's wrong with Joe Cocker's version of With A Little Help From My Friends? It's IMO the definitive version on the song, and it adds so much life to the song.

I just don't care much for him, and I agree with RangeRover about Ringo's version, when I hear the title of that song he's the first one I think of.  it's just like how I prefer Denny's version of YASB to his.  they both have raspy voices but sometimes (for me) Joe goes over the top  

I agree with you on You Are So Beautiful.
But it's not just how he sings WALHFMF, it's the arrangement too. There's a reason why it's more popular and why most people think of Cocker when they hear that song.

[RangeRoverA1]

But it's not just how he sings WALHFMF, it's the arrangement too. There's a reason why it's more popular and why most people think of Cocker when they hear that song.

Really? I thought the Ringo version is the most recognizable. Could care less about Joe Cocker, he doesn't have that much interesting voice, I quickly get bored hearing him (circa 20-30 songs grand total).

[Ron]

I always liked his version of "She came in through the Bathroom Window" better than "With a Little Help From My Friends". 


There are two ways you can appreciate Joe Cocker.

1. A lot of people appreciate him because of the amount of emotion he puts into a song, it's a similar style to what Janis Joplin popularized (around the same time Cocker first did).  To some people, this adds an incredible amount of beauty to the song and makes it very memorable.


2. To a lot of other people (Me; my brother, a few of my friends)... we appreciate him, because he has the AUDACITY to do what he does to songs.  to take a song like "With a Little Help From My Friends" and turn it into what he did.... just... WOW.  The guy has such balls.  I could never get in front of an audience and just let it all hang out like he does, I'd be so self conscious of how I looked or sounded... but not Cocker.  He has the balls to stand there and sing like THAT, way over the top, completely balls-to-the-wall, and doesn't really care what you think about it.  It's his own style, and it's admirable. 

That part where the hollaback girls go "Do you need, anybody?" and Joe just goes "WHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"  Is just amazing.  Such balls.

[RangeRoverA1]

1st way is definitely not for me, as Joe's "emotion" doesn't impress me ATT ALL. 2nd - audacity - is right up my alley & I usually admire when artists do sth. unexpected, but in case of Joe, it to me is going overboard & trying hard to be ultra cool.