courvidae ([info]courvidae) wrote in [info]audiography,
@ 2005-07-31 20:05:00
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Summahtime...and the livin is easy
Some of the older Audiography veterans will remember this from a while ago, but I couldn’t resist posting it again. A newly updated compilation of “Summertime,” the ultimate song for summer! Sixteen versions of the classic song that’ll have you singing it all summer long…

EDIT: No longer a sixteen song entry, we're up to thirty three versions of "Summertime." Do you have one you'd like to share...?



"Summertime" by Sarah Vaughan"
This is the version I think of when I hum this song (which, unfortunately, is constantly). Sarah's Broadway quality vocals are top-notch here. I know this version was already posted, but in case you hadn't picked it up already, I'm making you do it now!

"Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong"
Ella and Louis duetting to make this version an absolute classic—it doesn’t get much better. Slinky and cool, this'll make you long for lazy, hazy days of shucking corn, harassing cows, being assaulted by mosquitos in bogs, and sweating from each and every pore. Maybe those were just my summers.

"Summertime" by Nina Simone
A long intro segues into the sexiest, most soulful rendition my ears have had the pleasure of hearing. Nina infuses the simple lyrics with heat and just a touch of malice.

"Summertime" by Billy Stewart
Absolutely one of the most fun songs I've ever heard, "Motor Mouth" Billy Stewart putting everything but the kitchen sink into this five minute long jam-session. If you're not smiling ear to ear by the end of this cut, something's gone wrong! The vocal work here is astounding, and the sheer silliness and sense of play inherent in this track is just a joy to hear.


"Summertime" by Morcheeba

In a totally different vein, Skye Edwards and Morcheeba fuse the lyrics with a slow, trip-hoppy beat to create a chill-out wave...it'll carry you away into the heat-shimmering horizon.

"Summertime" by Angelique Kidjo"
Angelique's vocal work here is not to be beat. The Beninois singer eschews all original lyrics and instruments and instead opts to perform the entire song a-capella. It's interesting to note that her backing chorus follows exactly the instrumentation of the American classic, but Kidjo herself changes around the lead vocal part. This version may be a bit off-putting at first, but I suggest giving it a few listens before you judge it; it grew on me and I now find myself humming it all the time.

"Summertime Early Fall Mix" by Sublime
The ultimate trip-out cover, Sublime gives this song a treatment worthy of a classic. Adding an addictive beat and some new lyrics tinged with danger and malice, this is a great strolling song.

"Summertime" by Susana Baca
Peruvian singer Susana Baca lends a bit of soft sweetness in her version of “Summertime.” Her accent gives an almost child-like air to the song, and her hummed refrains wrap around your ears like a cool breeze. Lazy and easy, this song meanders its way through the minutes like a long summer sunset.

"Summertime acoustic" by Kuba
Something about this strange acoustic version really strikes me as original. Maybe it's the accent, maybe the little additions along the way. Give it a try, you might like it as well.

"Summertime" by Janis Joplin
Though it was already posted, what collection is complete without Janis’ cat-like yowl? If you’ve never heard it before, I command you to whisk it away from the link and prime your ears—your summer won’t be complete without it.

"Summertime" by Redhot and Blue
This one is weird, plain and simple. I'm not even that sure that I'm a fan, but it's so original and strange that I figured I had to include it. Even if you don't like it for the first few minutes, I suggest sticking it out because it seems to change styles every forty five seconds or so. This track manages to use a choir to both sound like a scat group and a traditional church choral piece at the same time. That's covers for ya!

"Summertime" by Nick Drake
Lazily sung with a guitar and song wicked reverb on the mic, Nick Drake adds his own touch to the song basically by adding nothing at all. Spare, sparse and languid, it's a short track that stands out for its unadorned simplicity.

"Summertime" by Denise Pelley
Jazzy, light, and sweet, this is a loungey take on the classic. Put this on the speakers and sip a glass of cold dessert wine on the porch, this version will let your mind ride away on its lovely piano ticklings.

"Summertime" by Ray Baretto
A languid Latin jazz cover with no vocals but a velvety smooth saxophone playing the melody. Super calming and easy on the ears, it’ll make you float off into the summer haze if you’re not careful.

"Summertime" by Rosinha De Valencia
Brazilian beat-masters Rosinha de Valencia start their track off slow and simple with nothing but guitars and some static wash. Midway through, a slow, trippy beat comes wafting through and is joined by some violins that give the aural impression of washing waves. A ‘lounge’ sounding little track that’s refreshing and cool.

"Summertime" by Santo & Johnny
1950’s/60’s masters of steel guitars, this spare and lazy track is nothing but two guitars picking their way with wistful precision. A quick track that rounds out the set!


All right, I think I've squeezed that poor piece for all it's worth. Gershwin'll never forgive me...
If anyone has more versions, throw 'em into the comments to enlighten us all! I need enough for my playlist to last me all summer long.



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[info]ravieslave
2005-08-01 03:16 am UTC (link)
I...love you.

(This is one of my favorite bits of music ever recorded, actually. I have a long, tumultuous history with this song. Sacred familial past and whatnot.)

Oh, and, I forgive you the Sublime. ;)

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 03:42 am UTC (link)
Glad I could invoke such love! Wow, I didn't realize that a song could be so...er...well, as you said, 'tumultuous!'

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]stormcloude
2005-08-01 03:26 am UTC (link)
Have another version (actually my favorite).

Summertime, by Sarah Harmer.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 03:43 am UTC (link)
Thanks for sharing! I haven't heard this one before...

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]berserker
2005-08-01 03:28 am UTC (link)
I read the Beatles covered this at one point -- anyone know if this is true?

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[info]maskedtoejam
2005-08-01 03:30 am UTC (link)
This is a good list, but what about Me First and the Gimme Gimmes? It's my favorite version of it, but I'll have to upload it tomorrow. Also, I was watching Stuck On You yesterday, and Greg Kinnear sings this song at the very end. What a wonderful, wonderful song.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 03:44 am UTC (link)
If you've the time, please do upload it! I know that I'm missing tons of versions, but this is just a jumping off point for people to add to. The first time I posted this collection, I only had ten songs, and now I have twenty. Maybe by the end of the week, I'll get up to thirty!

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]fairestcat
2005-08-01 03:31 am UTC (link)
I love you for this! I've actually been sort of collecting versions of this song just because.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 03:44 am UTC (link)
Thanks so much. If you've got any versions that aren't here, I'd be grateful if you shared them with us. The more the merrier!

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) - [info]fairestcat, 2005-08-01 05:59 am UTC

[info]byandby
2005-08-01 03:49 am UTC (link)
These are absolutely fantastic. My favorite though is the Ella/Louis duet. I've grabbed several of the songs. Thank you!

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[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 03:51 am UTC (link)
Glad to oblige, I'm happy you scooped em up.

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]ink_stain
2005-08-01 03:56 am UTC (link)
Pardon me while I hijack your comment thread, but I went ahead and uploaded the Me First and the Gimme Gimmes version, since I had it readily available. :)

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 04:07 am UTC (link)
No problems here! Thanks for uploading it--we're well on our way to a big new batch of Summertimes.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) - [info]ink_stain, 2005-08-01 04:11 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-01 06:54 am UTC

[info]glendaplatypus
2005-08-01 03:59 am UTC (link)
Jesus Lord.

This probably wins best post of the week for me right now and it's only Monday.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 07:33 am UTC (link)
Totally random tangent: I believe you were the one who posted songs by the group "Imago" a looong while back. I've just fallen in love with them, especially the song "Rainsong." Got any more tracks by them laying around, waiting to be scooped up by me...?

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) - [info]glendaplatypus, 2005-08-01 07:36 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-01 07:46 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]glendaplatypus, 2005-08-01 07:55 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-01 08:01 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]opts, 2005-08-01 10:32 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-01 07:51 pm UTC

[info]glendaplatypus
2005-08-01 04:01 am UTC (link)
Hey, [info]courvidae! Wanna do a week?

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 04:08 am UTC (link)
Ooh, you vixen--you're tempting me.
Sure! I'd love to. Just tell me how and when and I'll come up with something smashing.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) - [info]glendaplatypus, 2005-08-01 04:11 am UTC

[info]shetheliving
2005-08-01 04:44 am UTC (link)
i think someone has commented about this before, but fantasia barrino of american idol fame did a fantastic version on the show 2 seasons ago.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 05:05 am UTC (link)
Hmm, does indeed sound familiar, but I have yet to hear it. If anyone has it, it'll be another new one to add. And, goodness, I love your icon. What is it from?

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) - [info]festivewind, 2005-08-01 06:18 am UTC
(no subject) - (Anonymous), 2005-08-01 03:50 pm UTC
whoops - [info]shetheliving, 2005-08-01 03:52 pm UTC

[info]halfdutch
2005-08-01 04:45 am UTC (link)
Fantastic! *rushes to DL* And I like the Sublime version. ;-D And your descriptions.

I *only* have instrumental versions by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Art Blakey, repectively, and of course the Sarah and the Ella/Louis.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 05:06 am UTC (link)
Happy to provide you with more summer goodness. If you're motivated, you could upload the instrumentals--I for one would love to hear em.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) - [info]halfdutch, 2005-08-01 05:30 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-01 06:56 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]halfdutch, 2005-08-02 06:00 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]qe2, 2005-08-02 03:53 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]halfdutch, 2005-08-02 06:02 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]kismeteve, 2005-08-02 04:49 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]halfdutch, 2005-08-02 06:02 am UTC

[info]aria_muse
2005-08-01 05:17 am UTC (link)
Excellent, excellent post.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 06:57 am UTC (link)
Thanks much, glad you enjoyed!

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]festivewind
2005-08-01 05:36 am UTC (link)
You WIN.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 06:59 am UTC (link)
I think it's the audiographers who are winning, actually! And you kick ass for uploading the American idol songs. Thanks!

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]miffy88
2005-08-01 05:50 am UTC (link)
These are awesome! Thanks! Snagged a bunch.

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[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 07:00 am UTC (link)
Hope you find some you like! Thanks for commentin'.

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]fairestcat
2005-08-01 06:31 am UTC (link)
Billie Holiday -- I got ths off a random jazz compilation so I don't know exactly when it was recorded, but it has the feel and sound of something fairly early in Billie's career.

Morcheeba & Hubert Laws -- Slower and a bit dreamier than the other Morcheeba version posted above,

Bobby Womack & The Roots -- A very diferent sort of soul/funk version. One of my favorites.

The last two are off the Red Hot + Rhapsody compilation.

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[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 07:01 am UTC (link)
Totally rockin! How could I possibly not have already had Billie?! I knew there was a hole in my life somewhere, and now it's filled.
I can't believe there's a *more* mellow Morcheeba song, but yep, that is indeed the mellowest.

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]fairestcat
2005-08-01 06:54 am UTC (link)
Oh, also, I have a different Janis Joplin recording. This is the studio version. Janis Joplin

(Reply to this)


[info]dessabel
2005-08-01 06:56 am UTC (link)
Even the mellowSam Cooke has had a go at this favorite. Go get it you soul freaks

Is this a nomination for the most covered song ever??

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 07:03 am UTC (link)
Rockin! (or rather, mellow!) I'm so excited by the covers that keep coming in, I haven't heard most of these before. Thanks for posting.

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]tonapah
2005-08-01 07:23 am UTC (link)
I took Morcheeba. Definitely an interesting version. Thanks! I'm liking it.

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[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 07:58 pm UTC (link)
Great! I'm glad I could help. I hope it's summertime by where you are, and if not, then it'll feel like it for a few minutes.

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]catiadoodle
2005-08-01 12:55 pm UTC (link)
Wow, you rock ! Great post, I love this song so much ! I took everything I didn't already have. The Angélique Kidjo one is fantastic, I LOVE it.

Here are 2 more versions :

Michelle-Barbara Pelletier's, a Canadian actress. I especially like its haunting rythm.
And Charlie Parker's, a beautiful jazz instrumental.

I found this page that lists all the covers of this song. Looks like we have quite a long way to go, haha.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]catiadoodle
2005-08-01 01:46 pm UTC (link)
I found there was another one I had that hadn't been posted yet.

Doc Watson and David Grisman, a favorite of mine, guitar based.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

(no subject) - [info]fairestcat, 2005-08-01 06:34 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]catiadoodle, 2005-08-01 11:08 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-01 07:56 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]catiadoodle, 2005-08-01 11:11 pm UTC

[info]raviahmad
2005-08-01 01:02 pm UTC (link)
How about a really creepy version by Tori Amos?

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[info]filkferengi
2005-08-01 03:08 pm UTC (link)
How about a well-harmonized one from The Brothers Four? Here it is: http://s50.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0EMB6ICLM4IYG2DS0SZL4RYDPE

Feel the folkie love!

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]lilitou
2005-08-01 03:29 pm UTC (link)
Damn, woman. This is amazing.

Janis' has long been my favorite version--and the one I put on the summer music mix I made recently--but you've got a bunch up here I've never heard. So I'm taking just about all of them.

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[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 07:59 pm UTC (link)
Go for it, luv. I'm glad I could be of service!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-01 08:02 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]lilitou, 2005-08-01 08:12 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-01 08:46 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]lilitou, 2005-08-01 10:53 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]courvidae, 2005-08-02 03:38 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]lilitou, 2005-08-02 04:17 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]qe2, 2005-08-02 03:57 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]lilitou, 2005-08-02 04:16 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]filkferengi, 2005-08-03 04:27 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]lilitou, 2005-08-05 02:12 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]filkferengi, 2005-08-05 02:26 am UTC

[info]borninjeans
2005-08-01 03:47 pm UTC (link)
Holy crap. I took a whole bunch - there were versions that I wasn't even aware of. Thanks!

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[info]courvidae
2005-08-01 08:03 pm UTC (link)
Awesome, hope you enjoy! (and your little cat too...)

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[info]kismeteve
2005-08-02 04:22 am UTC (link)
I...You win at the internets.

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[info]courvidae
2005-08-02 05:08 am UTC (link)
:throws arms in air: Victory!
Hehe, well thanks. I'm glad you found this post way down on the bottom of the page. Hope you enjoyed.

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]blue_totoro
2005-08-04 03:08 am UTC (link)
Best post ever. THANK YOU! :D

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[info]courvidae
2005-08-05 10:21 am UTC (link)
Thanks for the kind words, I do my best! Glad you enjoyed.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Thanks!
[info]lastlivingpoet
2006-02-10 05:12 am UTC (link)
I had just downloaded the version of the song from Stuck On You and found your post by mistake. I had no idea so many artist had covered the song!

The links don't seem to be working anymore. Any suggestions on getting some of these songs?

-Me

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Thanks!
[info]courvidae
2006-02-20 02:36 am UTC (link)
Well...hmm. This post was from about a year ago, and so the links are obviously quite dead as doornails. And, considering the amount of effort that it took to upload em all, I'm not about to reload all of em. If you've got one or two requests, I can see what I can do...otherwise I think you'll have to muck around on your own. There was also this: http://www.summertime-collection.com/Artists.htm , listed earlier. Good luck!

(Reply to this) (Parent)


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