Although Anka's version of "Wonderwall" is included on his 2005 album, Rock Swings, I had never heard it until earlier this year. (Curiously, the song doesn't merit a mention in John Bush's AllMusic review.)
And where did I first hear it? On luxuriamusic.com, which promotes itself as "the kind of music your parents wanted you to listen to", among other taglines. (Best example that I can think of right now: A version of Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" as if sung by the Ray Conniff Singers, something I would have considered elevator music in my teens. I suspect to some this reappraisal makes me seem old(er), but certainly not wise(r). Hey, folks, I've always had an eclectic taste in music.)
Once I identified the singer, the song brought to mind Paul Anka performing on The Tonight Show (Starring Johnny Carson) accompanied by Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band. Somehow Anka has given this Oasis song an extra 30+ years of history.
So what I want to know: How was Anka's luminous, outstanding interpretation NOT nominated for an Grammy award?
Don't believe me? Here's some YouTube comments
- strange listening to this after the original, but still pretty amazing.
- Love this cover. It makes the lyrics really stand out.
- As a huge Oasis fan and this being one of my favourite song of all time... I like this, its done so great and it sounds as if it could have been a jazz song first.
- I kind of like this better than the original. I like both.
- Heard this on the radio. Bought the CD. (Once upon a vinyl time, that was one of my bad habits,)
In 1957, Paul Anka had his first of three #1 hits with "Diana", recorded when he was 15 years old.
The original.
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