Nino sang falsetto, and April sang Alto. Believe me for that time it really was groovy! The original version of that song was quite dreary for teenagers in the 60’s, but this had such swing and their harmony went beautifully. I gave it 8/10 for all of the sixties hits.
They were a sibling duo. I think the reason this song was such a success is because it really revolutionized the song Deep Purple and made the song seem brand new. You should listen to some older versions of the song to get it. The girl singer of this song, April Stevens, sang a few racy songs back in the day. You should most definitely look up and listen to Love Kitten by her. You won't regret it.
In my opinion, it’s a pleasant enough song. Nothing great to say about it, but also nothing bad. Gave this one a 7/10 apparently. Eh, 6 is probably more accurate in hindsight. Anyway the talking bit - Nino had forgotten the lyrics so April was reading them off to him, and I guess the producers liked the way she spoke the lyrics. That’s why that part is in there. They could’ve kept it or done away with it, it doesn’t make much of a difference to me. Fun facts: You might have already seen this in your research, but the two are actually brother and sister. Why they have different last names I’m not sure. Stage names of some kind? Maybe someone else can inform me why that was. The other fun bit of trivia I saw about the artists, is that April Stevens is currently the second-oldest living artist to top the Hot 100. She’s 91 years old, and only trails C.W. McCall who hit #1 in 1976 with “Convoy”. He’s 92. Had to make one last edit because I didn’t read over my review carefully at all. Apparently I liked the talking part back then, so I guess my opinion changed overtime lol. Also, this was the 100th #1 hit on the Hot 100!
I liked this recording it had a very catchy hook with the harmonica. The recitation was a feature of older music from the 30's and 40's not always used but still not uncommon in this period. It adds a reflective mood to the performance. In addition they did a follow up song also from the 1930's I believe called "Whispering." (done in early 1964). I enjoyed your presentation.
I was in Vietnam in 65/66 attached to the 173D(S) My unit was supported by D16 (APC's) The Track attached to my Section was called "Deep Purple" The driver & Commander were Sweet Pea & Double Ugly. Two big black Soldiers, nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. They would sing this song softly at night. I fell in love with that song & those guys & spent Christmas night in their company. Oh, I'm Australian.
Hey Sam! I’m not sure if you ever saw my review of “A Whiter Shade of Pale” like you requested, but I did it a couple weeks back. Wanted to make sure you weren’t still waiting on it or anything haha
The last few video reactions give you an indication of why the Beatles revolutionized American music. All the hit songs of the previous few months were basically mediocre at best. Not bad, but not really good either.
