[Garrett]

I was reading the other day that this song that was originally sung by the late Richard Harris was described as the worst of all time.

[gargoyle]

Myself, I think its pretty damned okay - mind you, donna summers is the de facto version!

[karkus30]

Donna Summers version is one of only two I have heard and I like them both. The other had a Saxaphone player taking the lyric part and getting the same note as DS sings....incredible.

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by gargoyle

Myself, I think its pretty damned okay - mind you, donna summers is the de facto version!

Which one did you ever hear first, the Donna Summer version or Richard Harris? which could have bearings on it. I prefer the Richard Harris of the two as it is not pop and I the instrumental break is just fantastic even before I started liking the rest of the record.

Karakus30 was the version you was on about by Stan Kenton?

[karkus30]

I really dont know. I just had a look on AMG and the only name that stood out was Monk Higgins, as my mate was into jazz/funk at the time it would make some form of sense. Doesnt look like I get get a sample to listen to . For all I know it might have been a trumpet or trombone (we didnt have flash hi fi gear back then), but it was definitely brass.

It must have been pretty good as it left a definite impression on me after all these years and at that time I was into Genesis etc, I suppose there was a bit of a cross over with King Crimson and Back door....hands up who remembers Back door.......... thought so

[gargoyle]

I can't remember which one I heard first but I remember the first few times I heard richard harris singing it, I did'nt think too much of it then later on, I realized something - RICHARD HARRIS - wait, it can't be THE RICHARD HARRIS - the actor and you know what ? it was!
On realizing this, I took a renewed interest in it and thought, for a famous actor and hellraiser , the guy can sing - check out the high notes!

The version by The Four Tops is fantastic too!

Probably the greatest song about baking a cake ever written

[samwiley]

I have childhood memories the Donna Summer version on TOTP with Pans People dressed up as trees with one of them actually leaving an actual cake out in the actual rain!!!



Pure class!

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by samwiley

I have childhood memories the Donna Summer version on TOTP with Pans People dressed up as trees with one of them actually leaving an actual cake out in the actual rain!!!



Pure class!

Mmmmmm dancing literally to the word of the song , when actually the cake was metaphorical.

[Garrett]

Anybody who wants to listen to the original version by Richard Harris click on this link. here.

Then choose ‘Listen Again’ you will have to skip a fair bit as it was the last record played you can keep an up date roughly where you are with the play list.
Oh the link is good but a new list of records will be up in a week’s time from today.

[Ian J]

MacArthur Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh, no!

[jelly]

they play it at the variety club nottingham every week (ds) version and it gets us all in the mood for some bingo comedy and a STRIPPER!!!!!

[Philly112]

Originally Posted by karkus30

It must have been pretty good as it left a definite impression on me after all these years and at that time I was into Genesis etc, I suppose there was a bit of a cross over with King Crimson and Back door....hands up who remembers Back door.......... thought so

Me! Colin Hodgkinson bass, Ron Aspery saxes and some guy Hicks on the drums.
Phil

Got no views on MacArthur Park though.