Deacon Blue are a rock pop band that hail from Glasgow, Scotland and have had success in the UK with such albums as “When the world knows your name”, “What ever you say, say nothing” and “City of love”
They were formed in 1985 and by 1987 had established themselves enough to record their debut album, “Raintown”.
As the title of the Extended Play suggests, these are four popular and well known Bacharach and David songs all of which have been covered by multiple artists. Dionne Warwick was probably Bacharach and David’s main artist to sing their songs alongside Cilla Black and Dusty Springfield. At the time the E.P. was recorded, the main band members were; vocalists Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh, keyboard player James Prime, drummer Dougie Vipond, Guitarist Graeme Kelling (4 April 1957 – 10 June 2004) and Ewen Vernal.
Side One
“I’ll never fall in love again” was recorded in different versions in 1969 by Johnny Mathais, Bobby Gentry, and Dionne Warwick.
Deacon Blue’s version [2:46] is a very slow duet between Ricky and Lorraine. The first two verses are taken by Ricky. In a form of response, Lorraine comes in on the line…. “Don’t tell me what’s it all about, ‘Cause I’ve been there…..” The next verse is again Ricky with the odd word and harmony from Lorraine. The final seconds of the track they both sing alternate lines … “What do you get when you fall in love” … and song fades into a finish.
“The look of love” was recorded as an instrumental in 1966 by Stan Getz, but the first vocal version was made for the movie Casino Royale in 1967 by Dusty Springfield.
Deacon Blue’s version [3:35] sticks very much to Dusty’s Bossa Nova tempo with the lead vocal by Ricky and harmony vocals by Lorraine. A variety of backing instruments can be heard from drums, guitars, piano, organ, and full orchestra giving the song depth. Probably my favourite of all the tracks.
Side Two
“Are you there (with another girl)” was recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1965.
Deacon Blue’s version [3:22] is faster and has a fuller sound than the original and almost feels like an original song written by the band. The main vocal is by Lorraine. I love the brass and strings.
“Message to Michael” was recorded in various versions from 1964-1965 as Message to Martha/Michael by Lou Johnson, Adam Faith, which charted but the most well known version is that of Dionne Warwick in 1966.
Deacon Blue’s version [3:58] has almost a blues feeling because of the Hammond organ and brass section of orchestra. Ricky takes the lead vocals with harmony from Lorraine.
Production was by Jon Kelly and Engineered by Robin Rankin
The first track, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”, was the main radio track for the EP, and received extensive play in the United Kingdom and peaked at No. 2 in both the Irish and UK singles chart and it also managed to break into the Dutch chart and peak at #72. This is the highest performing chart single of their career as of 2023.
Up to 2020, it is purported that Deacon Blue’s total album sales stood at seven million, with twelve UK top 40 singles, along with two number one albums in the UK.
Jukebox Dave 