MayOldie but a goodie: Fantasy
November 25th 2008 09:37
I still remember when Black Box released Fantasy in the 90's.
I loved (almost) everything about it...the simple beats...the synthesizer styled melody...the lyrics...it was just romantic and ever so slightly sensual.
Black Box were a dance group often fronted by the exotic Catherine Quinol. Up until recently, I always thought that she was the vocalist for their songs. Turns out that the vocals were provided by Martha Wash, a former member of The Weather Girls (remember It's Raining Men?). Catherine only lip synched their performances. In fact, Martha Wash was never credited for her vocals until she sued for the recognition. That incident almost single-handedly created a precedent that meant all vocalists had to be credited wherever they were used.
So, what did I not like about the song? Well, to be honest, at first I didn't like the vocals. I thought it was too strong...too overpowering for the song. I've since come to enjoy the contrast of the music with the vocals, and cannot imagine anyone else doing a better job.
Of course, let's not forget that Black Box only covered this song. Earth Wind and Fire first released Fantasy back in 1977. Their version has 70's disco stamped all over it...personally I think some of the production values give it a slightly disjointed feel, but the harmonies are beautiful.
(I also suffer from the unfortunate predicament whereby the version I hear first inevitably becomes the standard to which I compare all other versions...so in a way, my opinion is slightly...just slightly biased).
Anyhow, you can compare the versions if you want. Their both excellent...but I prefer Black Box.
I loved (almost) everything about it...the simple beats...the synthesizer styled melody...the lyrics...it was just romantic and ever so slightly sensual.
Black Box were a dance group often fronted by the exotic Catherine Quinol. Up until recently, I always thought that she was the vocalist for their songs. Turns out that the vocals were provided by Martha Wash, a former member of The Weather Girls (remember It's Raining Men?). Catherine only lip synched their performances. In fact, Martha Wash was never credited for her vocals until she sued for the recognition. That incident almost single-handedly created a precedent that meant all vocalists had to be credited wherever they were used.
So, what did I not like about the song? Well, to be honest, at first I didn't like the vocals. I thought it was too strong...too overpowering for the song. I've since come to enjoy the contrast of the music with the vocals, and cannot imagine anyone else doing a better job.
Of course, let's not forget that Black Box only covered this song. Earth Wind and Fire first released Fantasy back in 1977. Their version has 70's disco stamped all over it...personally I think some of the production values give it a slightly disjointed feel, but the harmonies are beautiful.
(I also suffer from the unfortunate predicament whereby the version I hear first inevitably becomes the standard to which I compare all other versions...so in a way, my opinion is slightly...just slightly biased).
Anyhow, you can compare the versions if you want. Their both excellent...but I prefer Black Box.
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Comment by Krystal
feelings
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by May
Music Dime
Thanks for the comment. I definitely agree with your sentiments about "slightly sensual". You don't always need to paint the picture so to speak. Less is more, letting your own feelings fill in the blanks.
Hi Tracy,
I went a long time without knowing it was a cover as well. But nowadays with blogs and google, there really isn't much that remains unknown. I'm glad that in my humble post, you learnt something, however trivial!
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Comment by May
Music Dime
I'm not quite sure whether your comment meant that you were happy to be taken back to that time, or whether you hated the song so much that you weren't happy to be taken back to that time...
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Comment by May
Music Dime
I'm just glad to hear that i haven't unintentionally brought back bad memories! And i absolutely understand when songs take you back in time....to quote The Carpenters, "It's yesterday once more".
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I really love this song, but I am going to have to go with the thumbs down crowd on the Black Box version, much preferring the Earth Wind and Fire original. I thought the softer blend of voices did the feel of it more justice.
A great song though, either way ... and still one of my favourites to this day.
Lilla ...
Comment by May
Music Dime
So you like the Earth WInd and Fire original better hey? I have to agree with you that the voices and harmonies on that song are pretty good. I'm a karaoke tragic, but when i try to harmonise, i go badly offkey! I admire people who can harmonise!
Thankyou for dropping by!