[QUOTE=Moony]I'll risk a tounge lashing and say I like Stevie's version better than Etta's. :wavey:

[QUOTE]

Me, too.
Different generations, different voices, different styles--and I do like the Etta version, but Stevie did a great job on it and added a more contemporary sound to it.

She also robbed it of any true emotional power, much the same way the Dixie Chicks did to Landslide. Absolutely stunning vocal performance, but other than that, I find it incredibly hollow. Just my opinion. :o

How can she hit these notes for so long on this song but would never even go there on other songs? I mean towards the end where she is holds "Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaast" for like thirty seconds! WOW!!! Amazing!!! Most people couldn't hold that note for half the time. I'm just amazed that she doesn't risk more because this song really paid off for her.

You're telling me she doesn't put any emotional power into this song? We must be listening to two different performances!

It's not a very high note, that's how. It was in her range at that time and didn't require much stretching.

We must, dude. It's as hollow as a chocolate bunny on Easter. Like I said, I adore her voice on it because it's one of my favorite periods for her voice, but there's nothing behind it all.

I would agree with you there! ;)

I love her version. She, indeed, made it her own! After hearing that, I thought how great it would be if she made an album of those type of songs. The critics would hate it. But I would love it. She should also make a country-fied album....that could be amazing!

i 3rd that, was 1 of the 1st songs i dloaded & thought it wonderful, i have since heard the live walden woods version. doesn't she dedicate it 2 her father? seems it might b the type of music her parents were in2, i heard her rendition brought her dad 2 tears~
anywhoo, LUV, LUV LUV etta & stevie's versions, but i must pick stevie as MY fav :nod: ~

I don't know that music critics would necessarily hate a Stevie-standards album. I think it really depends on how she does it. If she goes for boring, uninspired schmaltz (I'm looking at you, Rod Stewart), then critics would certainly have every right to berate her until the cows come home. But if she chooses songs that she's clearly passionate about, and puts her heart into the performances, and works with a producer who doesn't suck any life or interest out of the songs, then I think both critics and audience could be very receptive. She might not reach Willie Nelson levels, but I think she could make a pretty good go at it if she set her mind and heart to it.

A country album, though... I don't know. I feel like Stevie would pick the wrong kinds of producers and people to work with and it'd turn into an overly-commercialized Nashville mess, but maybe I'm not giving her enough credit. How about a collaborative effort with Dolly Parton or Lucinda Williams? Or get Jack White in the studio with her...

I just heard this for the first time. I am in love. Perfect song for Stevie's voice? Meet Stevie. :nod:

That's excactly what this is, a "type-casted song" . Again it proves that every singer has to sing what's fitting her or him. Look at Linda Rondstadt, she sings her reportaire like it is written for her. Stevie writes her own songs, and by this song she proves that she IS inspired. Maybe it's no art for you, it still is a great perfomance. She also has no crystal clear voice like Whitney Houston or Celine Dion, it is the voice that makes the difference.
Try to imagine Mrs. Houston singing Gold dust woman, She experienced, but will never be able to sing the song with such pain as Stevie did. That´s why i think the song is a great piece.
We know her habits and addictions, but just try,.... try to convince people all over the world that this is your song, the right interpetation, and as good as Etta James´s version.

She should have a award for that.

Will
BTW is there anybody able to share the videoclip that was recorded??????

And I don't think it can be done. Nothing beats Etta's version, IMO, it's tops.

I'll agree about the Dixie Chicks thing - but I like the emotion Stevie puts into At Last - though granted there could be more behind it - and though I love the song very much - I do think I know where you're coming from in hearing no emotion....eh - I still love the song :D

There's a video clip for this?! Wow I'd like to see that. Also, is there 2 version of this? I'm confused. I only have the Stormy Weather one. :confused: