Your favorite Barry Manilow songs?

Subject: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 01:52 PM

Hmmmmm?

(this should be fun...)

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 03:14 PM

How long has he been involved in folk music?
Are you sure you have the right forum ??
Puhleeeease drop your garbage elsewhere.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 03:23 PM

The Singing Nose, is not a fit subject for discussion on this specialist web site.
Giok

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 03:52 PM

Excellent! Very predictable responses. I like it. More, please!

Hootenanny, do you ever have trouble bumping your nose on the upper door jamb as you enter large buildings? :-)

I can start another thread on obscure versions of Barbry Allen or the Wagoner's Lad, if you like, to make up for my terrible faux pas of mentioning the beloved Barry in these hallowed halls here. Just try to hang on for a bit...and grip your handmade luthier mandolin tightly...and you will make it through with your acutely fine sensibilities more or less intact, I'm sure.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 03:54 PM

His version of 4'33"

Subject: Lyr Add: COPACABANA (AT THE COPA) (Barry Manilow)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 03:56 PM

Gee, Maybe this should go in non-music....

I'm sorry, Little Hawk, but if this thread turned into mostly "BS," then I'll have to move it to the non-music section.

But I have to say that I've always liked "Copacabana." I think they even made a movie of it.

COPACABANA (AT THE COPA)
    ( Barry Manilow )

    Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
    With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there
    She would merengue and do the cha-cha
    And while she tried to be a star, Tony always tended bar
    Across a crowded floor, they worked from eight til four
    They were young and they had each other
    Who could ask for more?

    At the Copa, Copacabana
    The hottest spot north of Havana
    At the Copa, Copacabana
    Music and passion were always the fashion
    At the Copa .... they fell in love

    His name was Rico, he wore a diamond
    He was escorted to his chair, he saw Lola dancin' there
    And when she finished, he called her over
    But Rico went a bit too far, Tony sailed across the bar
    And then the punches flew and chairs were smashed in two
    There was blood and a single gun shot
    But just who shot who?

    At the Copa, Copacabana
    The hottest spot north of Havana
    At the Copa, Copacabana
    Music and passion were always the fashion
    At the Copa .... she lost her love

    Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl
    But that was thirty years ago, when they used to have a show
    Now it's a disco, but not for Lola
    Still in the dress she used to wear, faded feathers in her hair
    She sits there so refined, and drinks herself half-blind
    She lost her youth and she lost her Tony
    Now she's lost her mind!

    At the Copa, Copacabana
    The hottest spot north of Havana
    At the Copa, Copacabana
    Music and passion were always the fashion
    At the Copa .... don't fall in love
    Don't fall in love

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 04:14 PM

Yes, Copacabana is a pretty classic song, no doubt about it. I think I'd rate that one near the top of his playlist. I wrote a parody of it once, called "Ropa Retardo". That is Spanish, and it means something like "Late Clothing" or "Retarded Clothing"...

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: robomatic
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 04:19 PM

I used to visit my brother at UC Berkeley with my Randy Newman albums. More than once someone was using 'Barely Man-enough' in the sound room while we waited our turn (Yeah this was the olden days). We had to play "You can leave your hat on" TWICET to clear the air from the pong of that ditty.

So my answer is: We have yet to hear the song where Barry commits seppuku while on mike but I wouldn't mind downloading that little number.

Having said that, I've heard him interviewed on Fresh Air with Terry Gross and he sounds like a nice guy with a lot of musical know how and I'm happy for him. He said HE liked and listened to Groove Armada.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: skipy
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 04:48 PM

Shatner sings Manilow - now theres a title!
Skipy.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 04:55 PM

Omigod. WHAT a great idea.

So...how about "Read 'em and Weep"? That's one that really nails ya to the wall, eh? I'd LOVE to hear Shatner cover it.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 05:09 PM

people are so precious!!!! I love Barry and 'Could it be Magic' is my favourite-I saw him about 15 years ago at Birmingham Arena and he was excellent.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: John Hardly
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 05:16 PM

Hell of a piano player. Hell of a musician. Music, like most art, can be brutally polarizing.

We love our lesbian musicians -- Melissa Etheridge's heart-pounding, gut-wrenching "Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart" absolutely stole the spotlight -- was the only thing worth having watched the Grammys for. The Indigo Girls rock -- wonderful music. KD Lang is mezmerizing. But gay men have to know their place -- Broadway. Right?

Actually, many of the songs the Manilow has done are really well-written both musically and lyrically. I tend to like more spare production in the recordings I listen to often. And lyrically, much of Manilow's music is very "Hallmark". But I'll confess it -- I like the Hallmark card ads. I think that they touch on universals in the human condition. As a steady diet, sentimentality in music will become syrupy sweet and a bit of aural listerine is in order, but it doesn't mean it's bad. Syrup is great. I rarely if ever substitute tabasco for it on my flapjacks.

I also like Mel Torme's music
ditto Jennifer Warnes
ditto Michael Johnson
ditto Michael McDonald
ditto The Pied Pipers

...none of which makes me like folk music less.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: M.Ted
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 05:46 PM

Mandy.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 05:52 PM

Laugh if you will..but..He did a Jazz album once that wasn't half bad. He put new music to some old Johnny Mercer Lyrics and came up with "When October Goes" which became a staple of Rosemary Clooney's live performances. If I remember correctly, I may have even heard Mel Torme himself do a version of that at Micheals Pub in NY in the late 1980's.

People sometimes forget that Manilow was Bette Middler's Musical Director and accompaniast during her early glory days at the bath-houses and for her first 2 (??) albums ...Maybe just the 1st one..dunno.

Many of his song choices were unfortunate and yes, he was as Pop as they come but heck, even I had one of his albums in the 70s. Forget which one. It was actually an 8 Track (EEK!) Funny thing - he did an album of covers somebody gave me on cassette to while away a plane trip once..called SUMMER of '72 and THAT was interesting. He did things like "Not in Love" (10CC) long before Tori Amos thought to do such a thing. Not exactly the same results mind you.

He's a convenient target for venom and maybe that's appropriate. Dunno. I don't think it was his intention to become a poster boy for mediocrity but so he has become.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,Sidewinder.
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 07:21 PM

At last a serious debate about the consummate performer. I like "Can't Smile Without You-The False Teeth Song" and "Sunday Father" was a moving interpretation.

Regards.

Sidewinder.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Peace
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 07:23 PM

Mandy

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,Auggie
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 07:27 PM

Daves Wife-
I have played "When October Goes" and "Paradise Cafe" (both from the same jazz-tinged LP) many times. People love both those songs, as long as you don't mention they're Manilow tunes. Even a broken clock is right occasionally. As to his other, more commercial stuff... well, to each his own I guess.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 07:47 PM

"Even a broken clock is right occasionally."

That about sums it up Auggie! I've sung "When October Goes" as well..right after some sentimental favorites and nobody ever threw tomatoes at the Piano!

I honestly never really understood his Pop career given his background and basic talent. He's not a fabulous singer but with the correct material, he's better than many. Sad thing is, I believe he's panning a big Vegas stand of performances similar to Celine Dion's current habit. I think Barry is better as a memory myself.

PARADISE CAFE..that's the Jazz album I was remembering.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 07:48 PM

D'OH!!

Planning..not panning..alothough I've no doubt that's what the critics shall be doing!

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,Boswell
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 07:51 PM

I heard he murdered the old Elvis song "If I Can Dream" anybody heard that one?

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 08:03 PM

I would certainly agree that he's a fine musician. I figure he has made at least 50 million lonely housewives (that vanishing breed...) feel happier, and that can't be all bad, can it?

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 08:18 PM

I personally would LOVE to be as unpopular as Barry Manilow !! i would cry ALL the way to the bank !!

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 09:23 PM

He writes the song, he writes the songs....

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 09:48 PM

is it true that "I Write the songs" is about Brian Wilson? I could understand if it was but what a weird tune to pay tribute to someone of such REAl Pop genius, eh?

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 10:06 PM

I Am Stuck on Band-Aids
'Cause Band-Aid's Stuck On Me

I know

You deserve a break today
so get out and get away
to MacDonalds.
We do it all for you!

was more popular, but I prefer Band-Aids over MacDonalds

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 10:09 PM

By the way, Little Hawk, I'm glad to see this has turned into a real music thread. Congratulations!

But you're still a majorly fupped-duck broke-dick mamalucca.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 10:15 PM

oh yes.. that's right! He was a Jingle writer too. Didn't he write a Maxwell House Jingle as well? (In addition to writing some new Lyrics for American Bandstand theme)

Old Barry is sounding $marter and $marter.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,Melani
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 10:26 PM

Some people like him. I know at least one, and she's entitled to her opinion. Whatever makes you happy...

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: iamjohnne
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 10:28 PM

I like Copacabana.

I think it was the folgers jingle he wrote.

He is a fine musician, just not the genre I prefer to listen to. I could say the same thing about Linkun Park and Dolly Parton.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: number 6
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 11:40 PM

The wagoneers Lad by Bert Jansch/John Renbourne is a good piece of music.

sIx

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 12:10 AM

Dolly Parton is a GREAT musician!

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 12:40 AM

Well she's gotta be. Did you ever try to chord with 4 inch nails on your fretting hand? Makes those augmented 7ths a real challenge I bet.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Peace
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 12:53 AM

A fan's view.

Lemme see . . . he's likely a quadrillionaire--well, has lotsa bucks; many women go NUTZ over him; he's had a gang of hits; he's won a Grammy or two; respects his fans; doesn't drink or do dope. Hey, sounds like an OK guy. He wrote a few jingles--but didn't Bob Dylan have something to do with ads? Just curious.

I am not a Manilow fan. In fact, the only song of his I care for is "Mandy". So why write this stuff? Whay not.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 04:14 AM

I keep expect Dolly Parton's tits to peep over her support system, smile, and start to sing along. Not exactly backing music though, but hey we all have our fantasies.
Giok ¦¬]

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,Rosie Hardman
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 06:44 AM

I suspect that someone knew this would drag me from my lair....

However - I have to say that I had a decent run on the folk scene and I never made a secret of the fact that Barry was the greatest influence on my music ever... or of the fact that I ran the Birmingham Branch of his Fan Club for many years... or that I released a single - both songs of which were about him... or that my final album was half-dedicated to him as a thank you for that influence and had backings and cover art all done by members of his Fan Club...

I didn't care who disliked my love for Manilow's music back when I was on the scene and I care even less now. He is a consummate artist, a superb songwriter and singer and anyone who goes on stage can learn from his stagecraft... his ability to 'connect' with his audience is legendary and well deserved.

Because our tastes happen to differ it doesn't give anyone the right to make snidey remarks about talented people (or their physical attributes) who have given pleasure to millions - it only reflects badly on the person making them.

My favourite Manilow song is, was, and always will be One Voice by the way. I love Abba, Rachmaninov, Brooks & Dunn, Bruce Hornsby, Isaac Guillory, Alex Parks and Whitesnake too by the way i.e. I like music.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: mooman
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 07:05 AM

He hasn't sung it yet but will one day (hopefully in the distant future as I wish him no ill)!

moo

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: John Hardly
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 07:07 AM

And, ironically, he didn't write "I Write The Songs".

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: mack/misophist
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 11:33 AM

Sound of Silence.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: burntstump
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 11:35 AM

Just like Rosie always goes for the balls, I wish you were still performing. xxx

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 11:36 AM

At least he's better than Elvis Presley!

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,M
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 12:23 PM

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,Arturo
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 12:33 PM

Better than Elvis? How many hits has Barry had recently? I like Barry but c'mon he's no where near Elvis as I'm sure he would admit himself.Elvis is and always will be The King.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,unchurlish git
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 01:10 PM

Copacabana and one voice. And well said Rosie.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST,Rosie Hardman
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 01:16 PM

To Burntstump...

I may just have turned 60 but I haven't changed one bit in that respect... I still tell it like it is - in fact even more so these days! Thanks for the compliment pal but I don't see me ever performing on stage again - the arthritis has got to me!

I'm still around though - I've just released the first two Plant Life albums on CD and the third is to follow soon. (Anyone interested can find details at my website at http://www.rosiehardman.com/rosie.htm - come pay me a visit if you haven't already).

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Steve-o
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 01:24 PM

My favorite would be "Way Over There"......as in "Can you play WAAAAAY OVER THERE??"

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: gnu
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 02:06 PM

Well said Rosie.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: susu
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 03:27 PM

I actually have 3 favorites This One's For You, Weekend In New England, and Somewhere In The Night. Susu

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: susu
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 03:38 PM

Yes the song was written about Brian Wilson, by Bruce Johnston, who was able to tour with the Beach Boys because with Wilson's ongoing drug problem he sometimes refused to tour. Johnston wrote many of the Beach Boys songs. David Cassidy was actually the first person to record the song, though it was not released, but when Clive Davis heard the Cassidy version, he had Manilow record it. Incidentally, the song won a Grammy for Song of the Year, and it was the only Grammy that any Beach Boy won.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 04:37 PM

The last one on the CD.

Subject: RE: What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
From: Once Famous
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 05:01 PM

Barely Manenuff?