the best "Versions" of the songs are the originals. like John here, he was the original and first singer from the little river band. he was replaced, but this song right here,how he sings it,is the best one.. there's no competition. :)
Umm....John(singing here) is the 2nd singer for LRB. John replaced Glenn Shorrock much to the dismay of the "originals or nothing" crowd....be prepared for their stupid "originals or nothing" wrath...:):):)
John Farnham is one of the finest singers the world has ever seen...unbelievable combination of tone, control, power and range. We will not see his like again. A truly special talent. Well done for nabbing him Aussies! 😀👍🎤
Yes. Isn't it. I know some might prefer Glenn's version but, in my humble opinion, this has more passion and heart. John doing what John does best. Giving it all he has and loving every minute.
Without any slight to Glenn, this version with John is handsdown my favorite. I don't feel he is oversinging it, I totally feel every word he is singing...chilling.
+Charles Dow Johnny and LRB was at Shelter Island Pier "CONCERT BY THE BAY" series in San Diego in 1983. I was Tapping his foot as they were singing this and ALL the great LRB songs. Johnny is a LIVING legend in Australia. If you have not seen some of his BLACK N WHITE vids,you'll see the Man has done this for YEARS. "SADY the Cleaning Lady" is one. HE IS THE ELVIS of Down under,But still with us. He recently went on a World Tour with One of his dearest friends,Olivia Newton-John
Freddy Mercury was right on when he stated that John Farnham is the greatest male vocalist that ever walked the face of the earth, definitely second to NONE.
Probably the 50th time I've listened to it since finding it a month or so ago, I'm thinking I might have it played when I'm cremated, 1 for the irony of a cool change and 2 because it should just be heard 😁
John is one of my favourite male vocalists of all time- pure and honest voice!! Love him!!! I’d wish more actual Performers would have his humble attitude on stage...
I think God had a special place for Little River's song "Cool Change" in his heart, I know its in mine also. What a big blessing. This song also helps me breathe the air. Thanks for helping me live and change Little River.
Truly extra special song; In my personal top 10 of all times! John Farnham sings it with a great unique voice and interpretation, which makes it extra special. I fell in love with this song, when it was sung by Glenn Shorrock, and still love that very strong. Let’s not make a big rivalry between these two great singers and enjoy this great great song by a great band!
John Farnham was about 33 at this time in his career. Tremendous voice. He recorded a solo album with Graham Goble back in 1980, called Uncovered. Amazing CD, and his voice was as clean and incredible as in this video. The HBO Melbourne show was amazing, and really opened up Americans like me to John Farnham, and I'm one of his biggest fans here in the states. If you hear him now, he still has a great voice in his mid 50's.
It is hard to believe this song was sung by John Farnham 25 years ago. But make no mistake, this was the greatest version sung live by LRB. John was not treated well by the band at this time in his life, but he made a huge difference in their sound. John had a truely a God given voice and he uses it here. May his voice live on!!
John was very good...but Glenn Shorrock was amazing too. His is the voice on MOST of their hits from the late 70s and very early 80s. John joined the band in 1982.
Freddie Mercury Stated That John Farnham was The Greatest Male Vocalists To ever Walk the Earth....... John Farnham is my inspiration and my hero Hes a legend forever will ❤❤
+Travis Carlson Really? THE Freddie Mercury from Queen said that? Wow! That's awesome! Does he say it in a video interview? If so, where did he say that, and can it be found on RU-vid?
@@Raptormon132 Hmm thats actually a Good question bro i dont think its on RU-vid But I did read in an Article on Google That He did say that John was one of the Greatest Male Vocalists To ever Walk the Earth that is Fact However i cannot find any video on RU-vid sorry bro if i come across anything that mentions it again I'll be sure to show you 😊
I used to have this concert from television recorded and I must have watched it over 1,000 times. EVERY song was great. The vocals and instrumentals were terrific. I love this band and wished they were still on the charts as a group.
May be partial to his name but (having been a singer/musician for 50 years) with his range, pitch, control, versatility, Farnham could sing anything. Great with audience as well. True showman. Let's revive this genre of music.
I'm 62 ... when was the first time I ever heard this? I don't remember; but it ALWAYS makes me cry ... What a voice, what emotion ... pulls at my heart and makes me yearn so desperately for HOME ... my beloved Cali coast ... I know its time ...
A lovely friend introduced this song to me on his birthday this weekend, I can see why he loves this song, it's so refreshing and beautiful. Thank you for sharing this passionate and amazing performance, a big like for you. If you read this, happy birthday Eric, wishing you the best today and always, may all your wonderful birthday wishes come true!! :D
Crazy good. Hard to believe he didn't that the USA by storm. It's my understanding that he was fairly content to just stay at home. But wow, what a voice and of course the personality and looks make him the complete pop/rock package.
The US record companies wanted to change things for the US market. Now 20 to 40 years later US reactors just love his music the way he always sang it. One thing they changed was You’re the Voice without the bagpipes, and reactors just love the bagpipes! Our gain the US’s loss.
We need people to come together now more than ever. It’s 2020. Whatever side you’re on relax a bit. Let’s work together. That’s my hippie speech for the day and I support our president but love everyone.
He was such a beautiful singer. I love this version. John always gave 100%. The harmonies are fantastic as well. LRB was a great band with some of the best Australian written songs. You simply don't see this quality of music/singers anymore.
3 years ago I commented and I'm back during this sad, tragic time ... My heart breaks for all those suffering, for those who've lost a loved one, for those working day and night for all the rest of us. Oh My God ... We need your Mercy. Its time ... time ... for a cool change. Shine Healing and Love and Compassion and Patience down on all of us, your Children. Someday, I'll either see my beloved Mother Ocean again, or, I'll float forever in her cool embrace.
+Michael Tarnpoll My wife and I went to see LRB last night. Wayne Nelson is the only one left. It was so disappointing. It's the third time we've seen them since 84 and this was the worst by far. The guitars drowned out most of the vocals. Slower songs like Cool Change and the Other Guy were done at a faster pace. Extremely disappointing show.
+FreeTheRocks I dug out a couple of old VHS tapes from the 80's. I plan on watching them later today. Also I just saw an interview on youtube with Wayne talking about losing his daughter and writing a song for her. I couldn't finish it, heartbreaking.
This has always been one of my favorite LRB songs. I have never seen this live version but WOW what a powerful rendition. Thank you guys for all the great music. Todays bands cannot hold a candle to the bands of the 60's-80's.
One the most underrated under appreciated complete bands ever, the lyrics, stories, melodies, harmonies, rifts, licks 📻📢🔈🔉🔊🎼🎵🎶🎹🎺🎷🎤🎻📯🔦🎧 timeless music, a classic when it was fresh & new 5 + decades later long live LRB 👌
John is the G.O.A.T. but he is so humble about his gift. He is a phenomenon but has never wanted to compete with others. He is the most genuine of humans and has a genuine love for all those around him. He has always just wanted to sing and entertain and you can see it in his face - that smile. Glenn Shorrock left Little River Band and John was asked to fill in, which he did for about 5 years but he needed to go back to his solo career so he could make his own decisions about the music he wanted to make. Two LRB's band members went with him. John has done so many charity concerts, the last one being in 2020 at the age of 71 and has always given more than 100 percent. No one is saying LRB with Glenn was not good because they were fantastic, but Johns voice is just incomparable as so many are finding out all around the world. Can we please not be critical of each others opinions or preferences. If you dont like it dont watch it - thats what I do. Enjoy the music 🎶 🎵 ♥️
I never thought I would say this, but I think I like this version better then Glenn Shorrock's. I always loved the original by Glenn and just recently discovered John Farnham's version. What a beautiful voice. He sings with so much feeling and passion. Thanks for posting this FreeTheRocks!
Beautiful!! I recommend this song to anyone who wants to relax and enjoy a soothing song that is simply refreshing and lovely. LRB touched me deeply with this song and i must say John sings out of his soul as well as the backup singers with such great harmony. The band arrangement is superb and so wonderfully done. "I am now a fan of Little River Band!"
Wow! What a vocal performance! In my younger years, I took voice - to an advanced level. Fortunately, my Mentor did not seek to train me "full-operatic", but teach me projection, phrasing, diaphragm control, and stylisation. I'm grateful for that. I went on to sing on stages in various venues. Enough about me. - - - I'm just saying, I was taught to always train (practice/rehearse) at 100% - BUT - always perform in front of an audience at 90%. If you are really THAT good, the crowd will not know the difference, but this philosophy ensures you are 99% sure of never having to strain, or crack a note in a live situation. I know this is valuable information to any aspiring singer. John Farnham . . .you ROCK!
Every time I see the oversinging criticism of Farnham I'm reminded of that scene in Amadeus when the Emperor accuses Mozart of having 'too many notes'. The big problem with Farnham in LRB was that a lot of LRB fans were easy listening soft rock fans who like their rock without a hint of improv of any kind.
You got that right and great comparison to Mozart. He brought in the cutting edge that IMHO many of their songs need. Its a style thing i think mostly but damn, I preferred the group when he was in it.
Nick D You got that spot on. John's ability to improvise live is just amazing! I was a dancer on Bandstand in Sydney when he debuted on that show with Sadie 😊 He was so young and so shy. He's an amazing singer..could have done anything with that voice. In my opinion his voice sounds a wee bit tired here. I wonder if it was towards the end of the concert?
@@annettegilbert5938 wow, lucky you! He looks a bit tired. Like a lot of people with amazing voices, the key thing is to find a platform or vehicle for it. A band for example. John struggled with that bit, finally finding major success as a solo artist.
I have ocd in many parts of my life that helps and hinders, enjoying music is one that is 50/50 I am nothing special musically I play a few instruments and I understand basic music theory but I constantly find myself upset at the chord progressions and note choices in even my favorite songs by my favorite artists, I often resort to playing the songs myself on whatever instrument I can to try and make it sound how I'd prefer to no avail because I am not good lol it can be an upsetting repetitive cycle when all I want to do is enjoy a song. This performance does something for me that no other song ever has, not only does he make choices that almost instantly alleviate the activity of my ocd but every choice he makes is exactly what I want to hear. It brings me to tears writing this I don't really fully know why but it's as if the buzzing in my head 24/7 quite literally goes away for five minutes and 8 seconds. My mind trusts him almost immediately and my ocd fades away allowing me to truly enjoy the song. I would say for those interested; Aretha Franklin is probably the only other one I can think of that does something similar for me. Freddie Mercury about 70% of the time too, I don't know if it means anything or is just my own weirdness but to me that says something about the quality of music. I listen to a lot of music. lastly, Joshua Ledet's performance of "Jar of Hearts" is another for me
LRB - a great band with either Glen or John singing lead. The songs themselves shine, as do the harmonies and the incredible musicianship of all the band members. There's been quite a few great acts to come from "Down Under" but IMHO, LRB's the best of the lot. The total package - timeless songs (such as this), superb production & live performances that bring chills and joy to one's heart. 'nuf said. Thx FreeThe Rocks for posting this! Rock on!!
one of the few groups whose music is ALL flawless, no matter what lineup they had. always seemed to just fit together. as close to perfection as possible.
Brings back Sooooo many memories ;)...... Grade school walking to tge bus stop, got that girl crush on ur mind and the desire to be free... Thank you cool change !
Drifting and remembering some of my favorite music groups and these guys had the best harmony and songs meaningful to us. Loved it then. Love it stil. Love you ❤
I'm not sorry when I say. Glenn doesn't have half the voice that John does. Oh the harmony is better... Unbelievable in the chorus of Glenn's versions love or not. He sounds like he is on downers. There is no emotion no love for singing. When you see John sing it's captivating. When his voice vibrates through his vocal cords I smile and when all of the band sings in harmony it's a group of great vocals separately outstanding and together harmonically together. When the band sang with Glenn they were only matching him. With John it takes life and in this video specifically the harmonies are absolutely breath taking. Glenn thank you for the lyrics. John thank you for the everlasting eargasm.
I quit my job to this song before I took the best job of my life. Things didn't work out as I was fighting medical issues, my best friend passed away and my mother three months later. I still love this song because after all, I did quit my job to this amazing song.
I agree with Daddysongs, this version is the best I have heard. The original, wonderful, this with John Farnaham, to me anyway, much more moving and entertaining. I am grateful to FreeThe Rcoks for having provided this song and concert to us for FREE on RU-vid ..... Thank you so much!!
John was a gift for the LRB, the best they ever had without a doubt. I don't know what they parted ways but we all lost. They could all sign and their harmony was 2nd to nobody. ❤❤❤
Oh my God! This is amazing! I have always loved this song but he just belts that out. There is so much music out there that is never heard or seen. Thank you youtube for this format.