ALONG COMES MARY (Kick-Ass Live Version) - THE ASSOCIATION (w / lyrics) 

Hey, thanks for posting this! I was the bass player in the band on this clip. I had the pleasure of working with the guys for 5 years. They still have the same drummer; Bruce Pictor [from san Diego]. I loved working with him. Solid driving groove monster, and beautiful sensitive rhythmic support on songs like Never My Love. To those posting about Jules, you're right. He absolutely nailed the lead vocal. This was taped at the ABC studios in Burbank in the Spring of 1988. Marilyn McCoo was the host. The other artists on that date were Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, Great White, ABC, and the Desert Rose band, featuring Chris Hillman. I think I got that right. Feels like I might have left someone out. It's been awhile. :-} Again, thanks for posting. You brought back some really good memories.

An impossibly hard song to sing. One of the oddest, coolest pop songs ever written.

"When we met I sure out to lunch. Now my empty cup is as sweet at the punch!" One of the best lines ever.

RIP the late, great Larry Ramos.

I met the guys after a show for autographs in 2008 and 2015. Literally prolly the nicest rock stars you’ll meet. No ego, no nothing. Which is one of the reasons why they are in my top 5 along with The Beach Boys, America, Chicago, Eagles.

IMO, the greatest American band during the '60s. Between 1968-1970, they outsold the Beatles in this country. But best of all was their on-stage professionalism and their vocal mastery. I saw them 2x in concert, and they were the best, most professional on-stage band I ever saw. Then add in the power they generated from 7 guys who could all sing, and sing well. They could fill an arena with vocal sound like no other band ever. People said, "They sound just like their records." No--they sounded *better* than their records. After you saw one of their concerts, you never forgot it. Listening to their records was a step back. While they were in their prime, they were one of the best vocal groups ever.

Jules did an outstanding job on the vocal and doesn't disrespect Jim's version at all. Loved it.

The Association had so much "class" and even though they weren't as aggressive and "physical" on stage as other groups or performers - they could really get an audience "excited" very quickly!! As Tim H. mentioned - they sold tons of records, but the difference was - you continued to hear their Huge four hits everywhere you went for years and years!! And countless other great singers and performers thought so much of the likes of "Cherish", "Windy" and "Never My Love" - that they happily included them in their own records and performances! That says a lot!! Barry Manilow did a priceless version (released on CD) of "Cherish" and "Windy" blended together, with the Association members and full orchestra which is absolutely brilliant and most memorable.....but very hard to find. As Tim also said - "Once you saw the Association in concert, you weren't likely to forget that evening!" One reason for this is that they didn't do a large number of concerts in their heyday and those they did do were often "mysterious" - not known about until tickets were sold out or extremely hard to get, or the concert was not publicized enough because of intense competition from other groups and performers in the late 60's and early 70's. As a baby boomer - I tried and tried to see every great performer and group I could, when I was able, but the Association was so hot in their heyday - you really had to do your homework and be very diligent in your efforts to get to see them. In later concerts when they all wore their fabulous white suits and red carnations on stage - that was really something......those were the days, people.....!!! THANKS for all the wonderful times and great music, guys!!! and may the members who are no longer with us - always be remembered for their special "spark" they brought to the group.

First time I watched this, I thought that Jules wasn't doing the song justice (Jim Yester sang the studio version). Second time I watched it, I was hooked. This is actually a great version and I'm digging Jules singing it! I'm kicking myself for not loving it the first time I saw this clip!

When I first heard this version, my head spun around and fell on the floor. Jule's lead has an energy that changes the song from lyric-driven to emotion-driven. Powerful stuff.

Jules was soooo modest.He said he was a better background singer than lead.He fkin nails this!!I love this band.

The Association is beyond cool. This band has everything a band could ever need. Thier skills of writing , performance, music ship, singing and how to deliver each song individually. Oh yeah, also the gift of longevity.Thanks for showing us this video.

Say what you want about the original version but Jules absolutely killed it here.

Jules certainly killed it in this awesome version, but my favorite part is his smile at the end 😊 Interesting, too, that he and Larry have such 'hair metal' looking guitars!

Tandyn Almer was a lyrical genius and obviously the Association is just the greatest vocal group ever.

You're right~ This really is the "kick-ass" version. It was obvious how the 3 original members were having a ball! Russ Griguer was killing the cowbell!!

This is a freaking hard song to play guitar and sing at the same time.

Never saw this version before. Jim usually sings this, but this version with Jules Russ, & Larry rocks!

That's what I like so much about this group. They could all jump in and sing someone's part without missing a beat. Just great, guys.

A real super group. Loved them from the earliest days. Gosh, we were all kids.

Although the vocals of the song "belong" to Jim, Jules is really great here (and so are they all)! The first real superband of the world.

Those old dogs can still hunt🔥🔥

Damn they had some great tunes back then. Very underrated group.

Wow, I never realized what a great voice Jules has until I heard this. He really belted that out superbly.

Damn! Jules Alexander on lead vocal. I never realized.....he is worthy of a spotlight number on an Alan Parsons Project.

killer bass in this song!

The harmonies of The Association are brilliant. In particular Cherish. But I love all their music. Since 1965.

Great version. The lead vocal is really strong here.

Seriously - this is and always has been my vote for greatest rock song ever

Awesome jam. Now my empty cup is as sweet as the punch!

This is the greatest version of this song that I have ever heard.

Weird to think studio musicians were used to record the single in the 1960s. (See The Wrecking Crew documentary.) They sure own the song here.

I love this version and how they put their own style to it. Just as good as the original if not better.

I like Jules' spin on it.

Good turn by Jules on lead vocals here!

The more I view, recall and enjoy Association hits, the more I'm feeling that Jules and Larry Ramos were like Ruffin to Kendricks on vocals. Masterful, as if one knows what the other is thinking BEFORE they did it.

Yes, this is so good. This is my favorite song of theirs, though I have always loved "Cherish!" Thank you!

Wow, Wow, Wow !!! 👍👍👍

Jules is a BEAST!

Great version. Remarkably good.

I was their bellhop when they played Grossingers Hotel in the New York Catskills Circa 1984. I was a fan before that and it was nice to meet them. Nice guys, unfortunately I didn't get a chance to see the show as I was working.

Love the original but this is my favorite. The way Jules sings the lyrics makes you "feel" them.

I love Jules’ version! Awesome!

Killer clip. The Association has been one of my favorites since their first record came out (when I was a mere lad). I had not seen them live until this January at Yoshi's in Oakland - and between the time I bought the tix and the show date, both Russ and Larry stopped touring. The show was nowhere as good as this clip. Thank you for sharing!!

Jules rocked the lead vocal on this. Excellent!!

When I met her, I was sure out to lunch... She saved my life by simply living. She showed me what the will to live REALLY looks like. How it really feels.

I love The Association's Never My Love. I play it every so often.

@Jules did a fantastic job on this.

That live version was aMAZing! Thanks for posting!

AWESOME.... nailed it 100%

They killed it!!!!

I heard this on the radio today. I guess I'll lucky because I almost never listen to it and I still got introduced to this song.

Extreemly great craft .well done......wonderful song......

I've never seen this version. He was getting INTO it! They all were. Damned nice performance and thank you very much for posting this.

Damn I usually like the original better but this is one of those exceptions!

This song was written for Jules to sing, but he left the group before they hit the big time later. He does a great job with it. Jim always seemed like he was hitting the top of his range when he sang it.

Oh wow, this was stellar, they rocked the hell out of it!

Looks Like Larry, Jules and Russ up there in front very cool I just saw the lineup with Jim yester -Jules Alexander - Jordan Cole , del Ramos in cincinatti last week

Killer vocals!

An amazing and complex song of which I couldn't find a decent version on you tube :( Unbelievable.

One of the most awesome songs ever!!!

You're right! This WAS a kick-ass version. I saw the Association in concert so many times, I lost count. Back in Spring of '81 there was some group touring with their name; didn't know it so we went. They were terrible and only did four Association songs. Then, during the break, I go up to one of the two guitarists, as he looked familiar. He said I did too! Then we realize were in competing bands in high school and my band (The Spectres) beat them silly. Of course, in 1969-1970, we were the only band in our town with two drummers, a keyboardist with a Hammond, a trumpet and a sax. Then in Fall of 1981, we had moved to Syracuse and the REAL Association came to play at the State Fair. After the concert, I spent some great time with Terry, talking about "those days." I see this video or some of the others and I miss that time so much, great music, simpler lives...Thank you all for sharing your music with us!

My God what a hidden gem. Can’t stop listening to it the singer is amazing. Like the song was made for him.

I was going to post this exact video but glad to see it's on youtube. Yes this is from Solid Gold. Think it's 1988. That is Marilyn from the 5th Demension.

Damn, they stepped it up a notch.🔥🔥🔥🔥

This made me totally happy!

Jules rocks it big fan

Wow, this is a kick ass version. ❤ Thanks for sharing

I remember seeing a TV interview with the musician who wrote this song. This was in '67, I believe, and I was just a kid, but I distinctly remember him saying it was about marijuana.

Larry Ramos, I recognise.🎙 I couldn't work out who was who!🤔 It remains a great composition though!🎼🎵

A one off . superb !!

Love the song.

That is fantastic!

It's amazing such a powerful version of this song was performed on some stupid oldies show. Jules rocked it current. Great "cover" of the song, Amazing,

Fabulous, really fabulous.

Bravo! Long time fan

great cover, one of the best i've seen! kudo's!

dynamic performers-

Loooovvve this version, fabulous

He is so in the present moment. Great!

Yep, Hippie Pot Song. Loved it then, love it now. 😅😊😂❤

Jules killed it here.

Holy Freakin Cats this thing is AMAZING!

Where was Jim? This is such a great song, lyrics so complex and the rapid tempo. Jules knocked it out of the park. Mwahhh. 👄

genius song, thanks

Take a look at Jules singing Dubuque Blues, a fabulous song. Jules really should have sung more lead vocals imo.

fantastic!

Thanks for sharing, In high school, one of my boyfriends used to call on the phone and play this for me....LOL!

Jules did the underappreciated Dubuque Blues.

Anyone who has ever smoked pot knows this song is about much more than merely smoking a joint ;)

I don’t remember where or what show they were on, but one of them said they were the first truly psychedelic band. My initial reaction was to chuckle, but then I thought about this song. Even though I had no idea what it was about, to me it was ahead of its time, on equal ground with any song from sergeant peppers. And very intellectual lyrics

Wow, such a great kick ass version! Jules nailed the vocals and the whole band was rockin!'

Like this song along comes Mary the association Mary good one

Wow! The Association 4ever!

Kick ass is correct. I'd say it easily competes with the original album version. Thanks for posting this!

ÚNICOS. AWESOME!!

This is a nice version. Very difficult song to sing live and they do a good job. Still love the original, but this band changed so much over the years it's nearly impossible to keep track of who did what.

Oh yeah!

I am FAN.

Jules to Larry co-leads was dynamic, those two had tremendous chemistry while Jimmy had all the talent in the world on his own leads.