Boats...with Backing Vocals!

[kazumi]

Hi, everyone! I'm writing this with listening to "The Definitive Collection". As we know, "Boats Against The Current" has some back chorus in this particular album. I heard this is Clive Davis's idea. Maybe he thought it makes this song more dramatic, but I really prefer the original version. Because It's a kind of an obstacle to me. (I even don't know this is the correct way to use this word. ha ha ha... )

Anyway, I mean it's OK, but needless for this song. The one without backing vocals is more simple and impressive. Eric's voice itself is one of the most beautiful musical instruments. (It's always, but especially in this song.) What do you think?

[Raspbernie]

Kazumi-- Eric personally addressed the alternate DEFINITIVE COLLECTION version of "Boats Against The Current" in ASK ERIC a few months ago. I agree with you on Eric's voice, and most certainly prefer the original version of the song. --Bernie

[seattlesteve]

I agree with all, the best track is without back-up. However I didn't hate the version, I think just because it was something new and different, like many of Bernie's music post clips. Repeated listening though reveals the bg's kind of step over Eric's voice, and thus an element of emotion is diluted.

In some cases bacgrounds can add to a song. I loved tha stripped down demo of "That's Rock and Roll" or "My Girl" where the bg's really shine.

[darlene]

I agree with everyone who has posted on this. I know what Kazumi means by the background vocals being an "obstacle." They definitely take away from Eric's voice, and moreover, somehow cheapen the whole effort, because they add something so ordinary/mundane/run-of-the-mill to a REALLY dynamite work. But the beauty of Eric's voice overrides it all and makes everything okay. Positive proof, though, that Eric was the artist, and Clive didn't exactly know what he was doing... --Darlene

[Gary]

The problem I have with so called "Remixed" versions is that rarely do they surpass the original. Eric really is in touch with production and being that his voice is so powerful to begin with...well you know the rest. If it works, don't fix it. The only way I can accept alternate versions is when an Anthology is released. Usually they include alternate takes and raw studio recordings. Eric's finished product is the result of lots of thought, skill and work. Technical wizardry should be left to the artist and not to someone fiddling around with knobs in a studio. Bye for now: Gary K.

[seattlesteve]

Amen Gary. After putting out albums for over 30 years, it would be interesting to get a compilation of remixes that Eric would like to do, with ERIC at the controls today. What songs over the years would he tweak today knowing everything he knows, benefit of hindsight, no label pressure, etc. along with the advances in technology. The key is to have the composer at the helm, not the label.

Seattle Steve

Having said that, let's dust off all those demos that have yet to see the light and produce them. There is more than enough quality compositions for an incredible CD.

[darlene]

Oh yes!!! THOSE cd's I would buy in an instant!!!

--Darlene

[Ron Sutton]

That remixed 45 with the female backing vocals was also released as a 45 by Eric's label right after they released the original version. The female backing version came in a picture sleeve that said "Heres one that you may have missed".

Ron