On the record, Aug. 13
By Susan Pugh on Aug. 13, 2008
By Bradford Brady and John Maron
Q: I have read, and also have heard from professional musicians who say that they have heard the same thing, that more different versions of the “One-Note Samba” by Brazilian composer Jobim Antonio Carlos have been recorded (not necessarily sold) than of any other tune since Edison invented his “talking machine.” Have you also read this?
A: Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1927, Jobim Antonio Carlos is credited, along with guitarist João Gilberto, for merging the samba with cool jazz. The result was the “bossa nova,” or “new trend,” a musical style in syncopated two/four time. It became particularly popular during the late-’50s. A prolific composer, Carlos recorded more than 400 different songs. One of his better known songs is that little “ear worm,” “The Girl from Ipanema.” Although extremely popular and influential, Carlos does not appear to hold the record of having written the most recorded song. According to “Guinness World Records,” “Yesterday”, written by Paul McCartney and first recorded by the Beatles in 1965 for their album, “Help!,” is the “most recorded song” in history with over 3,000 different versions. This record is also confirmed by the “Encyclopaedia Brittanica.” The Britannica further states that it has been played on radio and television more than 6 million times since its release, “far outstripping its nearest competitor.” “White Christmas,” written by Irving Berlin in 1942 and popularized by crooner Bing Crosby, is often cited as the second most recorded song. Of course, “Happy Birthday” is the song that has been sung the most.
Q: Can you tell me where I can find the original version of the Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road?”
A: “Seven Bridges Road” was first recorded in 1968 by the man who wrote the song, Steve Young. According to Young, it is based on an old, famous road in Montgomery Alabama that actually has seven bridges. The real name of the road is Woodley Road. Young’s original version can be found on his 1969 album, “Rock Salt and Nails.” A few years later, former Fairport Convention singer Ian Matthews recorded a mostly a capella version of the song for his 1973 album, “Valley Hi.” It was this version that the Eagles mimicked on their 1980 live album, “Eagles Live.” Their version reached No. 21 on the charts
in 1981.
Q: I would like to know the name of a song and the female artist who sings the song with the following lyrics: “Have I told you lately I’ve been thinking ... What I’m hanging’ onto and why I’m on the go, I try to find a reason but the point is I love just because ... Yes I want your beauty ... if it comes along with a beat, cause I only get more angels when my devil has been squeezed.” The recurring lyrics are “I try to find a reason but the point is I love you just because, I love you just because… .”
A: The song is called “Just Because (deep fried)” and was written and recorded by Rocío Guitard (her first name is pronounced ro-THEE-o). It is the opening track on her 2002 release, “Mosaique.” In addition to her career as a singer and recording artist, Guitard owns and operates her own vocal studio in Belmont, California. You can hear the track at http://www.garageband.com/artist/Rocio.
What’s the name of that song? Where are they now? What does that lyric mean? Send questions to or visit http://www.musicontherecord.com. Brady and Maron are freelance music writers based in Raleigh, N.C.
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