Pop groups release the new Beatles song “Michelle” at the same time. Chart Shoot-Out!
The Overlanders | David and Jonathan | Michelle | 1966 | I’ve tied these two together this week because both songs (The Overlanders “Michelle” and Frankie Vaughan “Wait”) from the Beatles new LP.
I never really know if this is an advantage or a disadvantage to the people who do them as singles, but we shall see. They’ve both done very well.
The Overlanders with a sort of cracking up voice, and Tony Hatch on piano, and frantic “I Love You” bits. But I rather miss Paul’s yearning.
Frankie Vaughan’s is done with his usual power and a sort of Spanish influence on tambourine. But, oh dear, nobody quite gets that Beatles’ magic, do they?
Other sides are “Cradle Of Love” and Bacharach’s “There Goes The Forgotten Man.” (Penny Valentine: Disc & Music Echo, 01/01/66)
David and Jonathan have done the Beatles’ “Michelle” and everyone told me it was very good. I’m sorry but I beg to differ. Worried about the harmonies, which sound flat. But one version of this is bound to hit the chart. (Penny Valentine: Disc & Music Echo, 07/01/66)
The Overlanders | David and Jonathan | Michelle | 1966
The Overlanders: “Michelle” (Pye): Here the Overlanders add a little speed and hipness to the Lennon-McCartney track – and prove that “Michelle” can be a slightly beatier number than the Beatles’ own presentation. Well performed, and as much chance as any of making the chart. (Melody Maker: 01/01/66)
David and Jonathan: “Michelle” (Columbia): This vocal duo stick fairly close to the French flavoured number with a falsetto harmony adding a touch of pretentiousness to the affair. Paul McCartney’s effort is still the guv’nor. (Melody Maker: 01/01/66)
David and Jonathan: “Michelle”, “How Bitter The Taste Of Love” (Columbia DB 7800). This tunefully sound version of the McCartney – Lennon composition could easily make the charts – only just missed a Top Fifty tip.
The two boys, composers in their own right, give it a feelingful treatment, with gently controlled backing by George Martin. It’s getting a lot of plays and should do very well indeed. (Record Mirror: 08/01/66)
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