Stevie Nicks, Debbie Harry, and the Common Denominator

[Scarlett DuBois]

I figured this post would probably get more interesting responses on the band page than the Nicks solo page, as I think there would probably be more actual musicians on this one. Also, nothing personal against Stevie, but I want nothing to do with her voice after say, 1982. Seriously. I mean, love the gal, but let's draw limits. I'm not a fanatic.

So, I've got a pretty sharp ear for detail in music, particularly vocals, and I can't help but feel I've noticed something interesting. Now bear with me here, and keep an open mind.

I reccommend to see what I mean, you check out some Jackie DeShannon demos: some particularly good, spare examples with very clear, high-mixed vocals are her acoustic demo of "Don't Doubt Yourself, Babe", her demo of "Dream Boy" with Jimmy Paige, and an obscure demo from 1971 called "Now That The Desert Is Blooming". I also reccommend her excellent song, "Should I Cry".

NOW. Check out some of Stevie's early vocals - not on the Rumours album, I mean, I love that album, like I love the Beach Boys, but in the same way, it is polished into something otherworldly. Check out maybe "Crying In The Night" from Buckingham Nicks, or a Fleetwood Mac live version of Frozen Love to see what I mean. Stevie's early scratchiness. That adorable throatiness. even her live backing vocals on Chris's "Over my head" is a good example.

Now, go back to DeShannon, and then go check out Blondie's song "Accidents Never Happen". An awesome song, by the way.

Now, this may sound crazy, but I can't help but notice that Stevie Nicks and Debbie Harry both, at moments, sound REMARKABLY like Jackie DeShannon. I really don't think I'm imagining this, folks.

Interesting, huh?