You Don’t Always Need A Name

Yesterday, I as was driving back from one of my many daily outings I was, as usual, listening to the local radio when the DJ played an excerpt from a new Michael Jackson song. As it happens the song is a cover of one of my all time favorite songs A Horse With No Name by the folk rock group America. I can’t remember when I first heard this song but as it was recorded back in 1971 I think it must have been a long, long time ago! Nevertheless, despite the years having passed it remains a tune I am always pleased to hear. It’s nothing brash or bold but it has a rather addictive, seductive quality.

The excerpt of Michael Jackson’s version on the radio sounded very interesting and distinctly “Michael” whilst still retaining the underlying appeal of the original song. I later found a longer excerpt on You Tube in which I could hear the reworking of the song, which has been retitled A Place With No Name, a little better. Unfortunately, I think the excerpt is one short piece just played back-to-back, so I shall look forward to hearing the rest of it in the near future. However, I concluded that what I did hear, I liked. Generally I prefer to listen to songs in their original format but somehow I think I’m also really going to enjoy listening to Michael’s version. Anyway, have a listen and see what you think!

And to break with tradition I’m going to dedicate these songs to one of my favourite bloggers The Man With No Name.

“

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hillgrandmom says:

19 July 2009 at 8:49 AM

Love the song [I associate it with my eldest, who sings it pretty well actually)!. Also thanks for putting up the Michael Jackson version.

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Jane Turley says:

19 July 2009 at 8:57 AM

Oooh..a singer in the family Sue. How wonderful. I wish my boys could sing but I fear they're all tone deaf! Master Ben has the best ear though and occasionally remarks on songs on the radio and sings along but somehow I don't think he'll be making a career out of it:)

The MJ version sounds pretty good though – I'm sure it will be a winner especially as most of the younger folks won't even remember the original – The DJ on the radio didn't!

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Unpublished Kurt says:

3 August 2009 at 5:34 AM

I always liked this song, but couldn't tell you a single other song by America.

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