New Perry Vocal Isolation (DSB).

[Don]

The MJ memorial was not about quality performance and it really pisses me off that people were slamming certain performers for sounding off. There were at a funeral ? Duh ?!?

Anyway, in regards to age Stevie Wonder blew my socks off. I had no idea he had that left in him. Just amazing and moving. Him and Jermain teared me up a bit and I dont know why. I am not an MJ fan really. I love a few tunes with Billie Jean still being my fav but damn, the whole thing was very classy and moving.


I will say it again and again. Perry isnt singing because he isnt happy with his own voice. I do not think we will ever see a new release and touring is out. His speaking voice sounds better these days and not so hoarse everytime he speaks. Julie Andrews has vocal surgery back in 97 and it RUINED her voice. It was many years before she sang live again and it was never the same. I have to wonder if something like this happened to Steve.

I believe if he could he would. He seems to get so emotional when asked about the old days and I wonder if it is because he knows he can not do what he loves the most. We may never know.

Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right. I'm the eternal optimist, but I fear we may not ever see anything get released again. We know he's been recording, but there has to be a reason that we're hearing anything. You know if I'M saying this, I'm really bummed out and am praying that I'm wrong.

Any buzz I was hearing has quieted down to silence. I guess we can just keep hoping, but my We'll See is almost gone. Oh well, we have many years of magical stuff to listen to and should consider ourselves lucky. I'm just glad SP seems to be happy in the interviews we've heard.

Wow - It is a day in MR History....I never thought I would hear those words from you....

WTH? I've been thinking it's July and if MadSplash's prediction back when that it was September release it wasn't looking good b/c of hearing nothing. But now MS is giving up almost completely? Don't give up. Maybe it's just quieted down, b/c it will be released next year and he's being his perfectionist self and stalling. But I never thought there would be a tour, just an album.

God, I never thought I would be consoling MadSplash.

See we both have been reformed.....we have helped each other....BTW I will see you at the meeting

Who's bringing the juice, Neal?

[artist4perry]

The MJ memorial was not about quality performance and it really pisses me off that people were slamming certain performers for sounding off. There were at a funeral ? Duh ?!?

Anyway, in regards to age Stevie Wonder blew my socks off. I had no idea he had that left in him. Just amazing and moving. Him and Jermain teared me up a bit and I dont know why. I am not an MJ fan really. I love a few tunes with Billie Jean still being my fav but damn, the whole thing was very classy and moving.


I will say it again and again. Perry isnt singing because he isnt happy with his own voice. I do not think we will ever see a new release and touring is out. His speaking voice sounds better these days and not so hoarse everytime he speaks. Julie Andrews has vocal surgery back in 97 and it RUINED her voice. It was many years before she sang live again and it was never the same. I have to wonder if something like this happened to Steve.

I believe if he could he would. He seems to get so emotional when asked about the old days and I wonder if it is because he knows he can not do what he loves the most. We may never know.

Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right. I'm the eternal optimist, but I fear we may not ever see anything get released again. We know he's been recording, but there has to be a reason that we're hearing anything. You know if I'M saying this, I'm really bummed out and am praying that I'm wrong.

Any buzz I was hearing has quieted down to silence. I guess we can just keep hoping, but my We'll See is almost gone. Oh well, we have many years of magical stuff to listen to and should consider ourselves lucky. I'm just glad SP seems to be happy in the interviews we've heard.

Wow - It is a day in MR History....I never thought I would hear those words from you....

I hope I'm wrong more than anyone. Maybe we'll still all get a great surprise. Who knows? The man can do whatever he wants, he's sure as hell earned that. We're lucky to have what we have from him. If he gives us more, great, if not, that's ok too.

Now you are cooking with gas!

[jrnyman28]

Yeah, there's a thought: all the buzz is dying down because they are about to release...

[portland]

The MJ memorial was not about quality performance and it really pisses me off that people were slamming certain performers for sounding off. There were at a funeral ? Duh ?!?

Anyway, in regards to age Stevie Wonder blew my socks off. I had no idea he had that left in him. Just amazing and moving. Him and Jermain teared me up a bit and I dont know why. I am not an MJ fan really. I love a few tunes with Billie Jean still being my fav but damn, the whole thing was very classy and moving.


I will say it again and again. Perry isnt singing because he isnt happy with his own voice. I do not think we will ever see a new release and touring is out. His speaking voice sounds better these days and not so hoarse everytime he speaks. Julie Andrews has vocal surgery back in 97 and it RUINED her voice. It was many years before she sang live again and it was never the same. I have to wonder if something like this happened to Steve.

I believe if he could he would. He seems to get so emotional when asked about the old days and I wonder if it is because he knows he can not do what he loves the most. We may never know.

Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right. I'm the eternal optimist, but I fear we may not ever see anything get released again. We know he's been recording, but there has to be a reason that we're hearing anything. You know if I'M saying this, I'm really bummed out and am praying that I'm wrong.

Any buzz I was hearing has quieted down to silence. I guess we can just keep hoping, but my We'll See is almost gone. Oh well, we have many years of magical stuff to listen to and should consider ourselves lucky. I'm just glad SP seems to be happy in the interviews we've heard.

Wow - It is a day in MR History....I never thought I would hear those words from you....

WTH? I've been thinking it's July and if MadSplash's prediction back when that it was September release it wasn't looking good b/c of hearing nothing. But now MS is giving up almost completely? Don't give up. Maybe it's just quieted down, b/c it will be released next year and he's being his perfectionist self and stalling. But I never thought there would be a tour, just an album.

God, I never thought I would be consoling MadSplash.

See we both have been reformed.....we have helped each other....BTW I will see you at the meeting

Who's bringing the juice, Neal?

I am not sure who's turn it is.......I will have to check....if you would like to join you are welcome.....but you would need to bring the juice as you would be the newest member.

[portland]

Yeah, there's a thought: all the buzz is dying down because they are about to release...

Now that would be the power of positive thinking....

[Don]

The MJ memorial was not about quality performance and it really pisses me off that people were slamming certain performers for sounding off. There were at a funeral ? Duh ?!?

Anyway, in regards to age Stevie Wonder blew my socks off. I had no idea he had that left in him. Just amazing and moving. Him and Jermain teared me up a bit and I dont know why. I am not an MJ fan really. I love a few tunes with Billie Jean still being my fav but damn, the whole thing was very classy and moving.


I will say it again and again. Perry isnt singing because he isnt happy with his own voice. I do not think we will ever see a new release and touring is out. His speaking voice sounds better these days and not so hoarse everytime he speaks. Julie Andrews has vocal surgery back in 97 and it RUINED her voice. It was many years before she sang live again and it was never the same. I have to wonder if something like this happened to Steve.

I believe if he could he would. He seems to get so emotional when asked about the old days and I wonder if it is because he knows he can not do what he loves the most. We may never know.

Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right. I'm the eternal optimist, but I fear we may not ever see anything get released again. We know he's been recording, but there has to be a reason that we're hearing anything. You know if I'M saying this, I'm really bummed out and am praying that I'm wrong.

Any buzz I was hearing has quieted down to silence. I guess we can just keep hoping, but my We'll See is almost gone. Oh well, we have many years of magical stuff to listen to and should consider ourselves lucky. I'm just glad SP seems to be happy in the interviews we've heard.

Wow - It is a day in MR History....I never thought I would hear those words from you....

WTH? I've been thinking it's July and if MadSplash's prediction back when that it was September release it wasn't looking good b/c of hearing nothing. But now MS is giving up almost completely? Don't give up. Maybe it's just quieted down, b/c it will be released next year and he's being his perfectionist self and stalling. But I never thought there would be a tour, just an album.

God, I never thought I would be consoling MadSplash.

See we both have been reformed.....we have helped each other....BTW I will see you at the meeting

Who's bringing the juice, Neal?

I am not sure who's turn it is.......I will have to check....if you would like to join you are welcome.....but you would need to bring the juice as you would be the newest member.

I'll bring the vodka. Screwdrivers all around!

[madsplash]

The MJ memorial was not about quality performance and it really pisses me off that people were slamming certain performers for sounding off. There were at a funeral ? Duh ?!?

Anyway, in regards to age Stevie Wonder blew my socks off. I had no idea he had that left in him. Just amazing and moving. Him and Jermain teared me up a bit and I dont know why. I am not an MJ fan really. I love a few tunes with Billie Jean still being my fav but damn, the whole thing was very classy and moving.


I will say it again and again. Perry isnt singing because he isnt happy with his own voice. I do not think we will ever see a new release and touring is out. His speaking voice sounds better these days and not so hoarse everytime he speaks. Julie Andrews has vocal surgery back in 97 and it RUINED her voice. It was many years before she sang live again and it was never the same. I have to wonder if something like this happened to Steve.

I believe if he could he would. He seems to get so emotional when asked about the old days and I wonder if it is because he knows he can not do what he loves the most. We may never know.

Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right. I'm the eternal optimist, but I fear we may not ever see anything get released again. We know he's been recording, but there has to be a reason that we're hearing anything. You know if I'M saying this, I'm really bummed out and am praying that I'm wrong.

Any buzz I was hearing has quieted down to silence. I guess we can just keep hoping, but my We'll See is almost gone. Oh well, we have many years of magical stuff to listen to and should consider ourselves lucky. I'm just glad SP seems to be happy in the interviews we've heard.

Wow - It is a day in MR History....I never thought I would hear those words from you....

WTH? I've been thinking it's July and if MadSplash's prediction back when that it was September release it wasn't looking good b/c of hearing nothing. But now MS is giving up almost completely? Don't give up. Maybe it's just quieted down, b/c it will be released next year and he's being his perfectionist self and stalling. But I never thought there would be a tour, just an album.

God, I never thought I would be consoling MadSplash.

I'm not giving up, Jana, I hope there's still a chance we'll hear new stuff, and I had predicted November, not September.

Again, either way, I'm happy for us the fans and for SP. We know he knows that he has loyal fans who will always hope to hear him sing again. I'm just thankful for all of the recordings I have. If he puts out new stuff, I'll be first in line to buy it.

Either way, he's the best of all-time.

[portland]

The MJ memorial was not about quality performance and it really pisses me off that people were slamming certain performers for sounding off. There were at a funeral ? Duh ?!?

Anyway, in regards to age Stevie Wonder blew my socks off. I had no idea he had that left in him. Just amazing and moving. Him and Jermain teared me up a bit and I dont know why. I am not an MJ fan really. I love a few tunes with Billie Jean still being my fav but damn, the whole thing was very classy and moving.


I will say it again and again. Perry isnt singing because he isnt happy with his own voice. I do not think we will ever see a new release and touring is out. His speaking voice sounds better these days and not so hoarse everytime he speaks. Julie Andrews has vocal surgery back in 97 and it RUINED her voice. It was many years before she sang live again and it was never the same. I have to wonder if something like this happened to Steve.

I believe if he could he would. He seems to get so emotional when asked about the old days and I wonder if it is because he knows he can not do what he loves the most. We may never know.

Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right. I'm the eternal optimist, but I fear we may not ever see anything get released again. We know he's been recording, but there has to be a reason that we're hearing anything. You know if I'M saying this, I'm really bummed out and am praying that I'm wrong.

Any buzz I was hearing has quieted down to silence. I guess we can just keep hoping, but my We'll See is almost gone. Oh well, we have many years of magical stuff to listen to and should consider ourselves lucky. I'm just glad SP seems to be happy in the interviews we've heard.

Wow - It is a day in MR History....I never thought I would hear those words from you....

WTH? I've been thinking it's July and if MadSplash's prediction back when that it was September release it wasn't looking good b/c of hearing nothing. But now MS is giving up almost completely? Don't give up. Maybe it's just quieted down, b/c it will be released next year and he's being his perfectionist self and stalling. But I never thought there would be a tour, just an album.

God, I never thought I would be consoling MadSplash.

See we both have been reformed.....we have helped each other....BTW I will see you at the meeting

Who's bringing the juice, Neal?

I am not sure who's turn it is.......I will have to check....if you would like to join you are welcome.....but you would need to bring the juice as you would be the newest member.

I'll bring the vodka. Screwdrivers all around!

Sounds good to me....Jana and I need a bottle of wine each to agree on most points....vodka would work much faster! Welcome to our club......get your name badge at the door.....

[madsplash]

The MJ memorial was not about quality performance and it really pisses me off that people were slamming certain performers for sounding off. There were at a funeral ? Duh ?!?

Anyway, in regards to age Stevie Wonder blew my socks off. I had no idea he had that left in him. Just amazing and moving. Him and Jermain teared me up a bit and I dont know why. I am not an MJ fan really. I love a few tunes with Billie Jean still being my fav but damn, the whole thing was very classy and moving.


I will say it again and again. Perry isnt singing because he isnt happy with his own voice. I do not think we will ever see a new release and touring is out. His speaking voice sounds better these days and not so hoarse everytime he speaks. Julie Andrews has vocal surgery back in 97 and it RUINED her voice. It was many years before she sang live again and it was never the same. I have to wonder if something like this happened to Steve.

I believe if he could he would. He seems to get so emotional when asked about the old days and I wonder if it is because he knows he can not do what he loves the most. We may never know.

Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right. I'm the eternal optimist, but I fear we may not ever see anything get released again. We know he's been recording, but there has to be a reason that we're hearing anything. You know if I'M saying this, I'm really bummed out and am praying that I'm wrong.

Any buzz I was hearing has quieted down to silence. I guess we can just keep hoping, but my We'll See is almost gone. Oh well, we have many years of magical stuff to listen to and should consider ourselves lucky. I'm just glad SP seems to be happy in the interviews we've heard.

Wow - It is a day in MR History....I never thought I would hear those words from you....

WTH? I've been thinking it's July and if MadSplash's prediction back when that it was September release it wasn't looking good b/c of hearing nothing. But now MS is giving up almost completely? Don't give up. Maybe it's just quieted down, b/c it will be released next year and he's being his perfectionist self and stalling. But I never thought there would be a tour, just an album.

God, I never thought I would be consoling MadSplash.

See we both have been reformed.....we have helped each other....BTW I will see you at the meeting

So is that the chapter of the MSAA?

Madsplash Annoyance Annon.?

Hey, that's kinda harsh! Funny, but harsh.

I never meant to annoy anyone and I'm sorry if I did. I apologize.

[jrnyman28]

Hey, that's kinda harsh! Funny, but harsh.

I never meant to annoy anyone and I'm sorry if I did. I apologize.

You sound kinda surprised but that was the issue all along. It was never about what you were saying it was about how you were saying it. And that point was raised many times. But that is all water under the bridge now...no biggie.

[Since 78]

Well well, it's good to see that you all have come to your senses regarding he who shall not be named. Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step to recovery. But! beware, there will be another rumor, any day now I'm sure to try to suck you back in. Just be strong and don't give in to the Loonacy!

[portland]

Well well, it's good to see that you all have come to your senses regarding he who shall not be named. Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step to recovery. But! beware, there will be another rumor, any day now I'm sure to try to suck you back in. Just be strong and don't give in to the Loonacy!

That's what the Vodka is for

[kgdjpubs]

He was THE fucking man with his vocals, and I don't think we will EVER hear anyone else that can do what he did. Just freaking amazing!

The only person I have heard that I would compare with Perry is Sam Cooke, who was obviously major influence #1. Sam Cooke could do things Perry couldn't, but Perry had more range. As to who is better, I don't know.

If you've never heard Cooke, please listen to Lost and Looking, from the Night Beat album. Forget the pop stuff that made the radio. THIS was the real Sam Cooke--and probably one of the best vocals I have ever heard by any singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvY-PYbXGV4

Like what? Please elaborate. I can't think of one thing, based on what's been recorded by both.

That's a powerful song. I just recently discovered the Night Beat album. Definitely a true representation of the man's pure, raw talent. I would say that Sam brought more of a gospel feel to his singing. That was part of Sam's background and upbringing. This is of course not a slight at all to Perry, but rather just a distinctive flavor to Sam's approach that you don't hear as much in Perry's delivery. They are both, in my opinion, untouchable.

Without the technical terms as far as singing goes, which frankly I don't know anyway, THAT is exactly what I am referring to. Perry was copying a Gospel singer. Cooke WAS a Gospel singer. It's not about range--Perry had more. It's not about clarity of voice--Perry had that. It's about the melody and getting the notes right. Vocal acrobatics don't matter in this point.

Perry got it closer than almost anybody, and maybe somewhat advanced it a little with the increased range that he had available. Listen to his vocals on the ROR album in general, or Happy to Give in particular--which might be his best vocal ever from a total combination of voice, phrasing, etc. That being said, he was still one step removed from pure soul.

Natural talent is only one part of the equation--and really the least important part. I've heard plenty of singers with crystl-clear high voices that have the emotional content of a hovercraft. Phrasing, melody and feel is considerably more important once you reach the technical level of "being able to sing". Find a copy of the self-titled Sheriff album (you probably only know the song "When I'm With You"). The guy behind the mic is one Freddy Curci, who probably equaled Perry for clarity of voice, and probably had as much if not more range. There are vocal acrobatics on that album that Perry never even attempted. Doesn't make it any better--Perry's TBF vocals were better.

I'd say from a melody and phrasing standpoint that Perry's vocals on TBF were 1000% better than Infinity/Evolution. Sure, his technical ability had decreased as he had lost a lot of range and clarity of voice, but his phrasing was infinitely better.

Altogether though, Cooke had Perry beat on phrasing. Lost and Looking above is the obvious example. What Cooke does with those few notes is absolutely mind-blowing from a phrasing-standpoint. Maybe part of that comes from that fact that Cooke was better lyricist than Perry. Maybe part comes from the fact that a lot of Cooke's material was less in the pop arena, where you really can hit the emotional core of a song. Within limits, you have to admit that with the pop material and somewhat more superficial lyrics that Perry had less to work with. It's hard to make an emotional masterpiece of a vocal out of some of the Journey lyrics--not that it makes them bad songs, mind you.

In the end, they were/are both untouchable. Cooke was probably the best gospel singer to ever branch into non-secular music (blues, pop, and maybe a little rock live). Perry took that and applied it to rock, and out of the many Cooke disciples out there (Rod Stewart, etc.), he was probably the most successful.

[Jana]

He was THE fucking man with his vocals, and I don't think we will EVER hear anyone else that can do what he did. Just freaking amazing!

The only person I have heard that I would compare with Perry is Sam Cooke, who was obviously major influence #1. Sam Cooke could do things Perry couldn't, but Perry had more range. As to who is better, I don't know.

If you've never heard Cooke, please listen to Lost and Looking, from the Night Beat album. Forget the pop stuff that made the radio. THIS was the real Sam Cooke--and probably one of the best vocals I have ever heard by any singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvY-PYbXGV4

Like what? Please elaborate. I can't think of one thing, based on what's been recorded by both.

That's a powerful song. I just recently discovered the Night Beat album. Definitely a true representation of the man's pure, raw talent. I would say that Sam brought more of a gospel feel to his singing. That was part of Sam's background and upbringing. This is of course not a slight at all to Perry, but rather just a distinctive flavor to Sam's approach that you don't hear as much in Perry's delivery. They are both, in my opinion, untouchable.

Without the technical terms as far as singing goes, which frankly I don't know anyway, THAT is exactly what I am referring to. Perry was copying a Gospel singer. Cooke WAS a Gospel singer. It's not about range--Perry had more. It's not about clarity of voice--Perry had that. It's about the melody and getting the notes right. Vocal acrobatics don't matter in this point.

Perry got it closer than almost anybody, and maybe somewhat advanced it a little with the increased range that he had available. Listen to his vocals on the ROR album in general, or Happy to Give in particular--which might be his best vocal ever from a total combination of voice, phrasing, etc. That being said, he was still one step removed from pure soul.

Natural talent is only one part of the equation--and really the least important part. I've heard plenty of singers with crystl-clear high voices that have the emotional content of a hovercraft. Phrasing, melody and feel is considerably more important once you reach the technical level of "being able to sing". Find a copy of the self-titled Sheriff album (you probably only know the song "When I'm With You"). The guy behind the mic is one Freddy Curci, who probably equaled Perry for clarity of voice, and probably had as much if not more range. There are vocal acrobatics on that album that Perry never even attempted. Doesn't make it any better--Perry's TBF vocals were better.

I'd say from a melody and phrasing standpoint that Perry's vocals on TBF were 1000% better than Infinity/Evolution. Sure, his technical ability had decreased as he had lost a lot of range and clarity of voice, but his phrasing was infinitely better.

Altogether though, Cooke had Perry beat on phrasing. Lost and Looking above is the obvious example. What Cooke does with those few notes is absolutely mind-blowing from a phrasing-standpoint. Maybe part of that comes from that fact that Cooke was better lyricist than Perry. Maybe part comes from the fact that a lot of Cooke's material was less in the pop arena, where you really can hit the emotional core of a song. Within limits, you have to admit that with the pop material and somewhat more superficial lyrics that Perry had less to work with. It's hard to make an emotional masterpiece of a vocal out of some of the Journey lyrics--not that it makes them bad songs, mind you.

In the end, they were/are both untouchable. Cooke was probably the best gospel singer to ever branch into non-secular music (blues, pop, and maybe a little rock live). Perry took that and applied it to rock, and out of the many Cooke disciples out there (Rod Stewart, etc.), he was probably the most successful.

Fascinating read. I really enjoyed it. But I will have to say, to me, Perry during TBF and FTLOSM on some songs over-emoted, carried it a little too far. Sometimes less is better. Such that I would say many songs on ROR are better than TBF b/c he didn't do the over-emoting histrionics that he did on FTLOSM and some on TBF. The beautiful songs that hit that balance perfectly will always be songs like Faithfully, Only The Young, Still They Ride, etc. Though, I love It's Just The Rain on TBF and WYLAW, perfect.

[Art Vandelay]

He was THE fucking man with his vocals, and I don't think we will EVER hear anyone else that can do what he did. Just freaking amazing!

The only person I have heard that I would compare with Perry is Sam Cooke, who was obviously major influence #1. Sam Cooke could do things Perry couldn't, but Perry had more range. As to who is better, I don't know.

If you've never heard Cooke, please listen to Lost and Looking, from the Night Beat album. Forget the pop stuff that made the radio. THIS was the real Sam Cooke--and probably one of the best vocals I have ever heard by any singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvY-PYbXGV4

Like what? Please elaborate. I can't think of one thing, based on what's been recorded by both.

That's a powerful song. I just recently discovered the Night Beat album. Definitely a true representation of the man's pure, raw talent. I would say that Sam brought more of a gospel feel to his singing. That was part of Sam's background and upbringing. This is of course not a slight at all to Perry, but rather just a distinctive flavor to Sam's approach that you don't hear as much in Perry's delivery. They are both, in my opinion, untouchable.

Without the technical terms as far as singing goes, which frankly I don't know anyway, THAT is exactly what I am referring to. Perry was copying a Gospel singer. Cooke WAS a Gospel singer. It's not about range--Perry had more. It's not about clarity of voice--Perry had that. It's about the melody and getting the notes right. Vocal acrobatics don't matter in this point.

Perry got it closer than almost anybody, and maybe somewhat advanced it a little with the increased range that he had available. Listen to his vocals on the ROR album in general, or Happy to Give in particular--which might be his best vocal ever from a total combination of voice, phrasing, etc. That being said, he was still one step removed from pure soul.

Natural talent is only one part of the equation--and really the least important part. I've heard plenty of singers with crystl-clear high voices that have the emotional content of a hovercraft. Phrasing, melody and feel is considerably more important once you reach the technical level of "being able to sing". Find a copy of the self-titled Sheriff album (you probably only know the song "When I'm With You"). The guy behind the mic is one Freddy Curci, who probably equaled Perry for clarity of voice, and probably had as much if not more range. There are vocal acrobatics on that album that Perry never even attempted. Doesn't make it any better--Perry's TBF vocals were better.

I'd say from a melody and phrasing standpoint that Perry's vocals on TBF were 1000% better than Infinity/Evolution. Sure, his technical ability had decreased as he had lost a lot of range and clarity of voice, but his phrasing was infinitely better.

Altogether though, Cooke had Perry beat on phrasing. Lost and Looking above is the obvious example. What Cooke does with those few notes is absolutely mind-blowing from a phrasing-standpoint. Maybe part of that comes from that fact that Cooke was better lyricist than Perry. Maybe part comes from the fact that a lot of Cooke's material was less in the pop arena, where you really can hit the emotional core of a song. Within limits, you have to admit that with the pop material and somewhat more superficial lyrics that Perry had less to work with. It's hard to make an emotional masterpiece of a vocal out of some of the Journey lyrics--not that it makes them bad songs, mind you.

In the end, they were/are both untouchable. Cooke was probably the best gospel singer to ever branch into non-secular music (blues, pop, and maybe a little rock live). Perry took that and applied it to rock, and out of the many Cooke disciples out there (Rod Stewart, etc.), he was probably the most successful.

Interesting observation and very well said

[Art Vandelay]

He was THE fucking man with his vocals, and I don't think we will EVER hear anyone else that can do what he did. Just freaking amazing!

The only person I have heard that I would compare with Perry is Sam Cooke, who was obviously major influence #1. Sam Cooke could do things Perry couldn't, but Perry had more range. As to who is better, I don't know.

If you've never heard Cooke, please listen to Lost and Looking, from the Night Beat album. Forget the pop stuff that made the radio. THIS was the real Sam Cooke--and probably one of the best vocals I have ever heard by any singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvY-PYbXGV4

Like what? Please elaborate. I can't think of one thing, based on what's been recorded by both.

That's a powerful song. I just recently discovered the Night Beat album. Definitely a true representation of the man's pure, raw talent. I would say that Sam brought more of a gospel feel to his singing. That was part of Sam's background and upbringing. This is of course not a slight at all to Perry, but rather just a distinctive flavor to Sam's approach that you don't hear as much in Perry's delivery. They are both, in my opinion, untouchable.

Without the technical terms as far as singing goes, which frankly I don't know anyway, THAT is exactly what I am referring to. Perry was copying a Gospel singer. Cooke WAS a Gospel singer. It's not about range--Perry had more. It's not about clarity of voice--Perry had that. It's about the melody and getting the notes right. Vocal acrobatics don't matter in this point.

Perry got it closer than almost anybody, and maybe somewhat advanced it a little with the increased range that he had available. Listen to his vocals on the ROR album in general, or Happy to Give in particular--which might be his best vocal ever from a total combination of voice, phrasing, etc. That being said, he was still one step removed from pure soul.

Natural talent is only one part of the equation--and really the least important part. I've heard plenty of singers with crystl-clear high voices that have the emotional content of a hovercraft. Phrasing, melody and feel is considerably more important once you reach the technical level of "being able to sing". Find a copy of the self-titled Sheriff album (you probably only know the song "When I'm With You"). The guy behind the mic is one Freddy Curci, who probably equaled Perry for clarity of voice, and probably had as much if not more range. There are vocal acrobatics on that album that Perry never even attempted. Doesn't make it any better--Perry's TBF vocals were better.

I'd say from a melody and phrasing standpoint that Perry's vocals on TBF were 1000% better than Infinity/Evolution. Sure, his technical ability had decreased as he had lost a lot of range and clarity of voice, but his phrasing was infinitely better.

Altogether though, Cooke had Perry beat on phrasing. Lost and Looking above is the obvious example. What Cooke does with those few notes is absolutely mind-blowing from a phrasing-standpoint. Maybe part of that comes from that fact that Cooke was better lyricist than Perry. Maybe part comes from the fact that a lot of Cooke's material was less in the pop arena, where you really can hit the emotional core of a song. Within limits, you have to admit that with the pop material and somewhat more superficial lyrics that Perry had less to work with. It's hard to make an emotional masterpiece of a vocal out of some of the Journey lyrics--not that it makes them bad songs, mind you.

In the end, they were/are both untouchable. Cooke was probably the best gospel singer to ever branch into non-secular music (blues, pop, and maybe a little rock live). Perry took that and applied it to rock, and out of the many Cooke disciples out there (Rod Stewart, etc.), he was probably the most successful.

Interesting observation and very well said

Also, here's a link to a Sam Cooke song that I posted a while back, Teenage Sonata. This is, in my opinion, the perfect vocal performance. The clarity of each and every word is amazing, and they're all filled with passion. Perry took this formula and successfully adapted it to his own singing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwd4DMqmadk

[SP Fan in Oregon]

SP' voice, so absolutely incredibly PURE...................... No doubt God given!

Thanks for sharing it.

[brywool]

Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right. I'm the eternal optimist, but I fear we may not ever see anything get released again. We know he's been recording, but there has to be a reason that we're not hearing anything. You know if I'M saying this, I'm really bummed out and am praying that I'm wrong.

Any buzz I was hearing has quieted down to silence. I guess we can just keep hoping, but my We'll See is almost gone. Oh well, we have many years of magical stuff to listen to and should consider ourselves lucky. I'm just glad SP seems to be happy in the interviews we've heard.

SURPRISE SURPRISE SURPRISE


I mean...
DUH.

[Peartree12249]

Don't give up Splashy. I know what the problem is. We were all hearing stuff about the new SP album when the MBPL was working her psychic magic and making her Amazing Singing Peartree videos. We just need to get her back to focusing on SP! Well, it couldn't hurt...

[Jubilee]

Don't give up Splashy. I know what the problem is. We were all hearing stuff about the new SP album when the MBPL was working her psychic magic and making her Amazing Singing Peartree videos. We just need to get her back to focusing on SP! Well, it couldn't hurt...

I agree. We need to send a shout out to MBPL. In the mean time, I'll be donning my ceremonial beak and tux tails, facing Hanford, and performing the ceremonial drunken puppy dance. Well,...that couldn't hurt either, right?

[Peartree12249]

Don't give up Splashy. I know what the problem is. We were all hearing stuff about the new SP album when the MBPL was working her psychic magic and making her Amazing Singing Peartree videos. We just need to get her back to focusing on SP! Well, it couldn't hurt...

I agree. We need to send a shout out to MBPL. In the mean time, I'll be donning my ceremonial beak and tux tails, facing Hanford, and performing the ceremonial drunken puppy dance. Well,...that couldn't hurt either, right?

Be sure and post a video Jubilee.

[brywool]

oh and Splasy,



sucks to be right about the beaked one, but been waiting for years. He won't be doing anything soon.

[Deb]

Yeah, there's a thought: all the buzz is dying down because they are about to release...

I love glass half-full kind of people.

[Rick]

He was THE fucking man with his vocals, and I don't think we will EVER hear anyone else that can do what he did. Just freaking amazing!

The only person I have heard that I would compare with Perry is Sam Cooke, who was obviously major influence #1. Sam Cooke could do things Perry couldn't, but Perry had more range. As to who is better, I don't know.

If you've never heard Cooke, please listen to Lost and Looking, from the Night Beat album. Forget the pop stuff that made the radio. THIS was the real Sam Cooke--and probably one of the best vocals I have ever heard by any singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvY-PYbXGV4

Like what? Please elaborate. I can't think of one thing, based on what's been recorded by both.

That's a powerful song. I just recently discovered the Night Beat album. Definitely a true representation of the man's pure, raw talent. I would say that Sam brought more of a gospel feel to his singing. That was part of Sam's background and upbringing. This is of course not a slight at all to Perry, but rather just a distinctive flavor to Sam's approach that you don't hear as much in Perry's delivery. They are both, in my opinion, untouchable.

Without the technical terms as far as singing goes, which frankly I don't know anyway, THAT is exactly what I am referring to. Perry was copying a Gospel singer. Cooke WAS a Gospel singer. It's not about range--Perry had more. It's not about clarity of voice--Perry had that. It's about the melody and getting the notes right. Vocal acrobatics don't matter in this point.

Perry got it closer than almost anybody, and maybe somewhat advanced it a little with the increased range that he had available. Listen to his vocals on the ROR album in general, or Happy to Give in particular--which might be his best vocal ever from a total combination of voice, phrasing, etc. That being said, he was still one step removed from pure soul.

Natural talent is only one part of the equation--and really the least important part. I've heard plenty of singers with crystl-clear high voices that have the emotional content of a hovercraft. Phrasing, melody and feel is considerably more important once you reach the technical level of "being able to sing". Find a copy of the self-titled Sheriff album (you probably only know the song "When I'm With You"). The guy behind the mic is one Freddy Curci, who probably equaled Perry for clarity of voice, and probably had as much if not more range. There are vocal acrobatics on that album that Perry never even attempted. Doesn't make it any better--Perry's TBF vocals were better.

I'd say from a melody and phrasing standpoint that Perry's vocals on TBF were 1000% better than Infinity/Evolution. Sure, his technical ability had decreased as he had lost a lot of range and clarity of voice, but his phrasing was infinitely better.

Altogether though, Cooke had Perry beat on phrasing. Lost and Looking above is the obvious example. What Cooke does with those few notes is absolutely mind-blowing from a phrasing-standpoint. Maybe part of that comes from that fact that Cooke was better lyricist than Perry. Maybe part comes from the fact that a lot of Cooke's material was less in the pop arena, where you really can hit the emotional core of a song. Within limits, you have to admit that with the pop material and somewhat more superficial lyrics that Perry had less to work with. It's hard to make an emotional masterpiece of a vocal out of some of the Journey lyrics--not that it makes them bad songs, mind you.

In the end, they were/are both untouchable. Cooke was probably the best gospel singer to ever branch into non-secular music (blues, pop, and maybe a little rock live). Perry took that and applied it to rock, and out of the many Cooke disciples out there (Rod Stewart, etc.), he was probably the most successful.

Here is a compilation of Freddy Curci high notes. He's pretty amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJt9ktfCBxc

[kgdjpubs]

Also, here's a link to a Sam Cooke song that I posted a while back, Teenage Sonata. This is, in my opinion, the perfect vocal performance. The clarity of each and every word is amazing, and they're all filled with passion. Perry took this formula and successfully adapted it to his own singing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwd4DMqmadk

Good choice. Actually, pretty much all of his cover versions are spectacular. Some of the rearrangements he made on the original versions are pretty much genius.

For a wild example of the difference phrasing can do to a song, take Bob Dylan's Blowing in the Wind that Cooke covered live.
Dylan -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AugEwVn2 ... re=related
Cooke -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYWDgeVq ... re=related

or Cooke's version of The Great Pretender, which has been covered by pretty much everyone. Nothing crazy. No vocal acrobatics. Just pure soul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyIo1M-S ... re=related

One more thing. While Cooke pretty much tried to (or was forced/heavily suggested to) keep the Gospel and pop segregated, towards the end, it started creeping in. He was a Gospel singer first, pop singer 2nd. Listen to this live version of Bring It On Home from the Harlem Square Club album. The intro and towards the end is pretty much pure Gospel in a nightclub setting that most definitely wasn't. The differences between the studio version and the live cut are staggering.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM6_ZDvB ... re=related

Now, as far as Journey goes, listen to the vocal differences and inflections Perry put on Still They Ride on a live version versus the studio cut from about 2 years before. This was the start of Perry's big vocal/phrasing shift.
Studio -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bStYYNvPB9c
Live -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jubogiBa ... re=related

[brywool]

ALSO-

"Lovin Touchin Squeezin" wouldn't exist without "Nothing Can Ever Change This Love I Have for You"

Perry COMPLETELY ripped the first line off from that tune as well as it's phrasing.
Perry was a Great Great singer, but without Sam, you gotta wonder what SP woulda sounded like. Perry copped a LOT of Sam's style and licks.

[kgdjpubs]

Find a copy of the self-titled Sheriff album (you probably only know the song "When I'm With You"). The guy behind the mic is one Freddy Curci, who probably equaled Perry for clarity of voice, and probably had as much if not more range. There are vocal acrobatics on that album that Perry never even attempted.

Here is a compilation of Freddy Curci high notes. He's pretty amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJt9ktfCBxc

Curci is good, VERY good. If you haven't heard it, try and find a copy of his Dreamer's Road solo album. By his own admission, it was better singing and less vocal acrobatics over top of a melody. One listen to the title track, and it's easy to tell how much better he got over the years.

[kgdjpubs]

ALSO-

"Lovin Touchin Squeezin" wouldn't exist without "Nothing Can Ever Change This Love I Have for You"

Perry COMPLETELY ripped the first line off from that tune as well as it's phrasing.
Perry was a Great Great singer, but without Sam, you gotta wonder what SP woulda sounded like. Perry copped a LOT of Sam's style and licks.

Add Happy To Give, which the opening line is a pure ripoff of A Change Is Gonna Come. British blues-rock band Thunder did the same thing to Bring It On Home with their song I'll Be Waiting (and later covered the actual song). I'm sure there are many more out there.

Without Cooke, who knows how half the singers of the 60s onward would sound. Between his direct influence, and the influence of all the people who were influenced by him (Rod Stewart, Perry, etc), his influence on singers is simply massive.

As far as Perry is concerned, I would only guess more Jackie Wilson. Perry is a huge fan is his singing also, and you hear some of it, but obviously the Cooke influence is more brought to the front.

[Liquid_Drummer]

He was THE fucking man with his vocals, and I don't think we will EVER hear anyone else that can do what he did. Just freaking amazing!

The only person I have heard that I would compare with Perry is Sam Cooke, who was obviously major influence #1. Sam Cooke could do things Perry couldn't, but Perry had more range. As to who is better, I don't know.

If you've never heard Cooke, please listen to Lost and Looking, from the Night Beat album. Forget the pop stuff that made the radio. THIS was the real Sam Cooke--and probably one of the best vocals I have ever heard by any singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvY-PYbXGV4

Like what? Please elaborate. I can't think of one thing, based on what's been recorded by both.

That's a powerful song. I just recently discovered the Night Beat album. Definitely a true representation of the man's pure, raw talent. I would say that Sam brought more of a gospel feel to his singing. That was part of Sam's background and upbringing. This is of course not a slight at all to Perry, but rather just a distinctive flavor to Sam's approach that you don't hear as much in Perry's delivery. They are both, in my opinion, untouchable.

Without the technical terms as far as singing goes, which frankly I don't know anyway, THAT is exactly what I am referring to. Perry was copying a Gospel singer. Cooke WAS a Gospel singer. It's not about range--Perry had more. It's not about clarity of voice--Perry had that. It's about the melody and getting the notes right. Vocal acrobatics don't matter in this point.

Perry got it closer than almost anybody, and maybe somewhat advanced it a little with the increased range that he had available. Listen to his vocals on the ROR album in general, or Happy to Give in particular--which might be his best vocal ever from a total combination of voice, phrasing, etc. That being said, he was still one step removed from pure soul.

Natural talent is only one part of the equation--and really the least important part. I've heard plenty of singers with crystl-clear high voices that have the emotional content of a hovercraft. Phrasing, melody and feel is considerably more important once you reach the technical level of "being able to sing". Find a copy of the self-titled Sheriff album (you probably only know the song "When I'm With You"). The guy behind the mic is one Freddy Curci, who probably equaled Perry for clarity of voice, and probably had as much if not more range. There are vocal acrobatics on that album that Perry never even attempted. Doesn't make it any better--Perry's TBF vocals were better.

I'd say from a melody and phrasing standpoint that Perry's vocals on TBF were 1000% better than Infinity/Evolution. Sure, his technical ability had decreased as he had lost a lot of range and clarity of voice, but his phrasing was infinitely better.

Altogether though, Cooke had Perry beat on phrasing. Lost and Looking above is the obvious example. What Cooke does with those few notes is absolutely mind-blowing from a phrasing-standpoint. Maybe part of that comes from that fact that Cooke was better lyricist than Perry. Maybe part comes from the fact that a lot of Cooke's material was less in the pop arena, where you really can hit the emotional core of a song. Within limits, you have to admit that with the pop material and somewhat more superficial lyrics that Perry had less to work with. It's hard to make an emotional masterpiece of a vocal out of some of the Journey lyrics--not that it makes them bad songs, mind you.

In the end, they were/are both untouchable. Cooke was probably the best gospel singer to ever branch into non-secular music (blues, pop, and maybe a little rock live). Perry took that and applied it to rock, and out of the many Cooke disciples out there (Rod Stewart, etc.), he was probably the most successful.

Here is a compilation of Freddy Curci high notes. He's pretty amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJt9ktfCBxc

This guys range in off the charts !! HOWEVER, it is too high and reminds me of a little girl screaming like when kids are playing or they get startled. This guy just seems like he is saying, "look at me, I can sing really, really high. He was obviously more worried about serving his ego than the music. That is what I hear anyway.

[youkeepmewaiting]

Finally back being inactive for far too long!

Thanks alot for that find... I think I've listened to it a good fifteen times now!