Say a Little Prayer
February 9, 2023 12:11 PM Subscribe
Composer Burt Bacharach, winner of multiple Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy Awards as well as the Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize, has passed away of natural causes at age 94.
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posted by kimberussell at 12:15 PM on February 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by kimberussell at 12:15 PM on February 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
The NPR obituary has a lot of links and embedded videos and a great correction that he had multiple Emmy nominations but only won once. In honor of his changing time signatures:
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I would love to fill this with links but I have somewhere to be. But to start, here's the perfect Carpenters recording of Close To You.
posted by fedward at 12:18 PM on February 9, 2023 [11 favorites]
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I would love to fill this with links but I have somewhere to be. But to start, here's the perfect Carpenters recording of Close To You.
posted by fedward at 12:18 PM on February 9, 2023 [11 favorites]
I had a job at a very fancy soho boutique in 1998. It was mostly commission-based, and I was the newbie, so I often got the slow, cold weekday evening shifts. After the sun went down around 4:30, it was usually just me in the glass bowl of our corner shop, alone with the shiny display cases. The shop had a beautiful stereo system, and no one else was there to tell me not to, so I played the saddest, richest, weepiest music I owned. That is to say, I played Painted From Memory on repeat.
I always wonder who saw me there, a teary-eyed shopgirl, softly singing along while windexing the countertops.
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posted by minervous at 12:32 PM on February 9, 2023 [24 favorites]
I always wonder who saw me there, a teary-eyed shopgirl, softly singing along while windexing the countertops.
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posted by minervous at 12:32 PM on February 9, 2023 [24 favorites]
He was ahead of his time while being exactly of his time. And his songs will live forever.
One of my favorites, San Jose (the way) - FGTH
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posted by hippybear at 12:38 PM on February 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
One of my favorites, San Jose (the way) - FGTH
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posted by hippybear at 12:38 PM on February 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
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I grew up with Burt Bacharach as background music—it was in movies, on radios, everywhere. And callow youth that I was, I didn't really appreciate it—it wasn't rock; it seemed like music for old people. Eventually I became old people myself and I was able to appreciate it. One of the benefits of age.
posted by adamrice at 12:43 PM on February 9, 2023 [10 favorites]
I grew up with Burt Bacharach as background music—it was in movies, on radios, everywhere. And callow youth that I was, I didn't really appreciate it—it wasn't rock; it seemed like music for old people. Eventually I became old people myself and I was able to appreciate it. One of the benefits of age.
posted by adamrice at 12:43 PM on February 9, 2023 [10 favorites]
♫
posted by May Kasahara at 1:07 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by May Kasahara at 1:07 PM on February 9, 2023
Seconding "Painted from Memory" as one of the all time great weepy albums. Bacharach and Elvis Costello seemed to have genuine respect and affection for each other. This performance of "God Give Me Strength" demonstrates their artistic bond quite beautifully. Two consummate professionals completely in synch.
Also, they look like they're having a blast in this Austin Powers clip.
Thank you for all the music Mr. Bacharach, but thank you especially for co-writing that soundtrack to every one of my heartbreaks.
posted by Joey Michaels at 1:11 PM on February 9, 2023 [8 favorites]
Also, they look like they're having a blast in this Austin Powers clip.
Thank you for all the music Mr. Bacharach, but thank you especially for co-writing that soundtrack to every one of my heartbreaks.
posted by Joey Michaels at 1:11 PM on February 9, 2023 [8 favorites]
SCENE: RANDOM DAY IN 1984.
Me, in passenger seat, singing along with Naked Eyes.
Mom, driving: I know that song. Check the records when we get home.
Me, later, finding some random gas station compilation: oh.
posted by fedward at 1:13 PM on February 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Me, in passenger seat, singing along with Naked Eyes.
Mom, driving: I know that song. Check the records when we get home.
Me, later, finding some random gas station compilation: oh.
posted by fedward at 1:13 PM on February 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Here's a timely Letterman link with Elvis Costello. ed: posted above by Joey Michaels.
Mr. Bacharach was a Top-3 Burt.
posted by Jansku at 1:17 PM on February 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
Mr. Bacharach was a Top-3 Burt.
posted by Jansku at 1:17 PM on February 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
What a life. So many great songs, so many talents and masters passing through. And he seemed like a good sport.
I'd recommend Nicki Parrott's Bacharach album to anyone. It's a dainty little joy.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:19 PM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I'd recommend Nicki Parrott's Bacharach album to anyone. It's a dainty little joy.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:19 PM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Burt Bacharach was actually in the hospital with pneumonia when Hal David wrote the lyrics to “What Do You Get When You Fall in Love.” Bacharach wrote the tune the day he was discharged, and it stopped the show when it went into Promises, Promises the next day.
posted by fedward at 1:24 PM on February 9, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by fedward at 1:24 PM on February 9, 2023 [7 favorites]
Came here to make sure y'all know about Painted From Memory.
Was not disappoint.
posted by chavenet at 1:34 PM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Was not disappoint.
posted by chavenet at 1:34 PM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
♪
I'd wager a fair few of us were introduced to him through that album, chavenet.
I always wonder who saw me there, a teary-eyed shopgirl, softly singing along while windexing the countertops.
:under the squeak squeak of the windex: "What's her name today...."
posted by greenland at 1:54 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
I'd wager a fair few of us were introduced to him through that album, chavenet.
I always wonder who saw me there, a teary-eyed shopgirl, softly singing along while windexing the countertops.
:under the squeak squeak of the windex: "What's her name today...."
posted by greenland at 1:54 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
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posted by skye.dancer at 1:59 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by skye.dancer at 1:59 PM on February 9, 2023
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posted by Mutant Lobsters from Riverhead at 2:06 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by Mutant Lobsters from Riverhead at 2:06 PM on February 9, 2023
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posted by Samuel Farrow at 2:08 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by Samuel Farrow at 2:08 PM on February 9, 2023
The first time I became conscious of the importance of film music, it was as a kid viewing “After The Fox,” which is much improved by Bacharach’s very first film score. Still fun to watch and hear.
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posted by kinnakeet at 2:39 PM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
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posted by kinnakeet at 2:39 PM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
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posted by kensington314 at 2:51 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by kensington314 at 2:51 PM on February 9, 2023
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posted by gentlyepigrams at 2:55 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by gentlyepigrams at 2:55 PM on February 9, 2023
“Put a hundred down and buy a car.”
Inadvertently, the funniest lyric ever.
yes, I know Hal David wrote it.
posted by BostonTerrier at 3:01 PM on February 9, 2023
Inadvertently, the funniest lyric ever.
yes, I know Hal David wrote it.
posted by BostonTerrier at 3:01 PM on February 9, 2023
🎵
posted by JoeXIII007 at 3:26 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by JoeXIII007 at 3:26 PM on February 9, 2023
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posted by dannyboybell at 3:34 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by dannyboybell at 3:34 PM on February 9, 2023
Love Bacharach. I've seen him a few times, most memorably in the early 2000s at a free concert 2 nights in a row in San Diego, by the bay, with the sun setting. Same set both nights, down to the same banter and jokes. I was 21-22 and deeply moved. So many white sweaters, people in their best boat clothes, a world I fucking hated, but damn the songs are amazing. Its the bittersweet in the music, the rhythms that are slightly disconcerting. Goodbye to a legend.
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:36 PM on February 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by kittensofthenight at 3:36 PM on February 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
I always thought he and Dionne Warwick were a match made in heaven. But my favorite is still probably “One Less Bell to Answer” and Marilyn McCoo’s almost wail on the chord changes. Thank you for all the wonderful music, Burt.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 4:03 PM on February 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by kitten kaboodle at 4:03 PM on February 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Bacharach/David was the soundtrack of my childhood, back when AM radio stations played Broadway hits, Sinatra and the Rat Pack, and all those Italian crooners like Buddy Greco and Vic Damone.
His melodies were tricky and, at the same time or perhaps for that reason, deeply memorable. Hal David's lyrics were sometimes painfully of their Mad Men time, as anyone who's listened to "Friends and Lovers" will attest, but Bacharach's melodies and arrangements leavened and lightened the words.
His run with Dionne Warwick is one of the best in pop music history, and he provided melodies that the best singers of his era ran with for some of their most memorable recordings, e.g., Dusty and "Look of Love"; Cilla and "Alfie."
I had, at one point, the box set of the cream of his enormous songbook covered by a host of singers, and it is nonstop pop music heaven.
A giant whose like we shan't see again.
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posted by the sobsister at 4:10 PM on February 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
His melodies were tricky and, at the same time or perhaps for that reason, deeply memorable. Hal David's lyrics were sometimes painfully of their Mad Men time, as anyone who's listened to "Friends and Lovers" will attest, but Bacharach's melodies and arrangements leavened and lightened the words.
His run with Dionne Warwick is one of the best in pop music history, and he provided melodies that the best singers of his era ran with for some of their most memorable recordings, e.g., Dusty and "Look of Love"; Cilla and "Alfie."
I had, at one point, the box set of the cream of his enormous songbook covered by a host of singers, and it is nonstop pop music heaven.
A giant whose like we shan't see again.
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posted by the sobsister at 4:10 PM on February 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
I don't know how many times when I was much younger, before BB became "hip" again in the 90's, I learned again and again it was a Bacharach song which was stuck in my mind and which I loved unironically and unapologetically. Sure, I'd get shit from my bandmates when I'd suggest doing a cover of "Walk on By" or "Do You Know the Way to San Jose", but I didn't care when I was shot down—at least I could still appreciate that the songs existed in the first place, and it was my bandmates' own parade they were pissing on, not mine! Thanks Burt!
posted by not_on_display at 4:22 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by not_on_display at 4:22 PM on February 9, 2023
A couple of his lesser-known tunes, My Little Red Book (Manfred Mann, but with Burt on the piano) and the Boxtops' Trains and Boats and Planes.
posted by Rash at 4:31 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Rash at 4:31 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
🎶
posted by Silvery Fish at 5:02 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by Silvery Fish at 5:02 PM on February 9, 2023
Such a huge talent. Nothing puts a grin on my face like South American Getaway
I just watched Austin Powers with my son this past weekend, and I’d forgotten how big a role he played in it. But my favorite film homage will always be this scene from My Best Friend’s Wedding.
posted by Mchelly at 5:18 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
I just watched Austin Powers with my son this past weekend, and I’d forgotten how big a role he played in it. But my favorite film homage will always be this scene from My Best Friend’s Wedding.
posted by Mchelly at 5:18 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Bacharach and David used to write my favorite songs.
posted by mollweide at 5:32 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by mollweide at 5:32 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
"If it has a decent melody, I'll give it a listen, any genre even punk. If it doesn't, don't expect me to care. Go away and have fun without me."
posted by ovvl at 5:47 PM on February 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by ovvl at 5:47 PM on February 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
Here he is introducing Ben Folds Five at his 70th birthday party in 1998.
posted by emelenjr at 7:03 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by emelenjr at 7:03 PM on February 9, 2023
An obit with a slightly different focus--this time on his time as a breeder and owner of racehorses.
posted by sardonyx at 7:25 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by sardonyx at 7:25 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
°
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 7:27 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 7:27 PM on February 9, 2023
Me, in passenger seat, singing along with Naked Eyes yt .
Mom, driving: I know that song. Check the records when we get home.
Me, later, finding some random gas station compilation: oh yt .
Before Naked Eyes, I always thought of it as a Sandie Shaw song. To learn that that guy did it as well is kind of... mindbending.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:48 PM on February 9, 2023
Mom, driving: I know that song. Check the records when we get home.
Me, later, finding some random gas station compilation: oh yt .
Before Naked Eyes, I always thought of it as a Sandie Shaw song. To learn that that guy did it as well is kind of... mindbending.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:48 PM on February 9, 2023
🎶
posted by Silverstone at 8:13 PM on February 9, 2023
posted by Silverstone at 8:13 PM on February 9, 2023
Yeah, reasonably the greatest composer of the 60/70s.
My Bacharach David Songbook is full of (mostly) hard to play songs that sounded smooth & easy on the ears but were full of complex riffs. If someone complained it was too hard, Burt would cite his old teacher Darius Milhaud.
Tom Jones couldn't believe it when he was first presented with 'What's New Pussycat?', he thought it was a joke and Burt was teasing him. Later, Jones regretted not getting the chance to sing 'Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head' because he was on tour when the call went out.
posted by ovvl at 8:20 PM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
My Bacharach David Songbook is full of (mostly) hard to play songs that sounded smooth & easy on the ears but were full of complex riffs. If someone complained it was too hard, Burt would cite his old teacher Darius Milhaud.
Tom Jones couldn't believe it when he was first presented with 'What's New Pussycat?', he thought it was a joke and Burt was teasing him. Later, Jones regretted not getting the chance to sing 'Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head' because he was on tour when the call went out.
posted by ovvl at 8:20 PM on February 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Ah, this explains why KEXP played like five different versions of "Walk on By" on my morning commute today. It was sort of an unusual vibe for the drive but I got pretty into it. I'm sad to hear it wasn't just John Richards in a mood.
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posted by potrzebie at 10:12 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
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posted by potrzebie at 10:12 PM on February 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
He also wrote the theme to The Blob. My brother and sister used to torment me by singng it to me. That movie scared me to death.
posted by y2karl at 11:19 PM on February 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by y2karl at 11:19 PM on February 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
I first remember hearing a Burt Bacharach song when I watched Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid with my grandad way too young. Our primary school tried to teach Raindrops Keep Fallin On My Head to us once, but it was much to complicated for 8 and 9 year olds to sing, and I was a bit sad because I liked it more than the other stuff we sang. I forgot about it, then discovered loud angsty 90s teenage music, but when the Manic Street Preachers covered it for the Help charity album I sought out more of his stuff, and there was a whole new world of songs to explore, he led me towards soul and jazz and all sorts. Wonderful music, thank you Burt.
posted by tomsk at 12:21 AM on February 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by tomsk at 12:21 AM on February 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
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posted by Mister Moofoo at 12:39 AM on February 10, 2023
posted by Mister Moofoo at 12:39 AM on February 10, 2023
I saw him two days in a row at the Sydney Opera house because my companion was a big fan and met him on the first night, in the car exit area. There were 6 of us.
posted by b33j at 1:05 AM on February 10, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by b33j at 1:05 AM on February 10, 2023 [3 favorites]
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posted by lazaruslong at 1:23 AM on February 10, 2023
posted by lazaruslong at 1:23 AM on February 10, 2023
One of my favorite singer/songwriters, Linda Smith, recorded her own version of “Do You Know the Way to San Jose”. I interviewed her last year and she talked a bit about Bachrach’s inspiration on her career.
posted by pxe2000 at 3:34 AM on February 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by pxe2000 at 3:34 AM on February 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
I love the chord changes on This Guy's In Love With You. Greatest American songwriter of the second half of the 20th century.
posted by How the runs scored at 5:09 AM on February 10, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by How the runs scored at 5:09 AM on February 10, 2023 [3 favorites]
Ah, this explains why KEXP played like five different versions of "Walk on By"
Dionne Warwick and Isaac Hayes don't even sound like they're singing the same song.
posted by fedward at 8:53 AM on February 10, 2023
Dionne Warwick and Isaac Hayes don't even sound like they're singing the same song.
posted by fedward at 8:53 AM on February 10, 2023
Dionne Warwick and Isaac Hayes don't even sound like they're singing the same song.
I was talking about him with my (adult) stepdaughter, who's just started composing music and wasn't familiar with his work, and I'd pull up some songs to play, and I started with one of my favorites, Aretha Franklin singing I Say A Little Prayer. But when she asked who sang it, I had to admit that I didn't know who sang it originally, that we/ she could look it up, but it almost didn't matter, because the point of how good his songs were, was how many people who sang, covered his songs and made them their own. The best way to appreciate his work would be to pick a song and then follow the trail where it took her.
posted by Mchelly at 9:16 AM on February 10, 2023 [1 favorite]
I was talking about him with my (adult) stepdaughter, who's just started composing music and wasn't familiar with his work, and I'd pull up some songs to play, and I started with one of my favorites, Aretha Franklin singing I Say A Little Prayer. But when she asked who sang it, I had to admit that I didn't know who sang it originally, that we/ she could look it up, but it almost didn't matter, because the point of how good his songs were, was how many people who sang, covered his songs and made them their own. The best way to appreciate his work would be to pick a song and then follow the trail where it took her.
posted by Mchelly at 9:16 AM on February 10, 2023 [1 favorite]
also The Stranglers
and the longer better version
posted by philip-random at 9:38 AM on February 10, 2023
and the longer better version
posted by philip-random at 9:38 AM on February 10, 2023
also East of Underground
(Never heard of 'em? Here you go.)
posted by box at 9:48 AM on February 10, 2023
(Never heard of 'em? Here you go.)
posted by box at 9:48 AM on February 10, 2023
Elvis Costello delivers his wrenching version of I still have that other girl from their album "Painted from Memory." That key change. Mmmm.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 10:22 AM on February 10, 2023
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 10:22 AM on February 10, 2023
in this Austin Powers clip yt .
and this one
I do love what the Posies managed to do with that (to me) profoundly reductive lyric.
In full here
posted by philip-random at 12:19 PM on February 10, 2023
and this one
I do love what the Posies managed to do with that (to me) profoundly reductive lyric.
In full here
posted by philip-random at 12:19 PM on February 10, 2023
A lot of the reason I loved punk rock was a reaction to the inescapable schlock of the Burt Bacharach hit machine. You couldn't get away from his stuff in the late 60's and early 70's. I've got nothing against a guy who spends his life making music and avoids the 9-5. He seemed like a decent sort. Still, I won't be playing all Burt all the time, and I don't miss not hearing his music. I hope he had an awesome life and died content.
posted by evilDoug at 12:53 PM on February 10, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by evilDoug at 12:53 PM on February 10, 2023 [1 favorite]
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posted by dogstoevski at 3:25 PM on February 10, 2023
posted by dogstoevski at 3:25 PM on February 10, 2023
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posted by whatevernot at 12:13 PM on February 9, 2023