Bootleg Betty
New Music In The Bette Midler “Other Voices” Jukebox!
By Mister D
January 21, 2024
Hey there, BetteHeads! We’ve got some fresh tunes lined up in the “Same Songs, Other Voices” Jukebox. Be sure to give these tracks a spin – they’re definitely worth a listen.
Kicking things off is the original rendition of “Don’t Know Much” by Barry Mann, the talented songwriter behind the tune. His version offers a piano-centric approach, similar to Bette Midler‘s take, rather than the rendition by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville. Mann, alongside his writing partner Cynthia Weil, crafted this heartfelt melody, much like their other collaborations.
Up next, we’ve got Smith, a rock band that made waves with “Baby It’s You” in 1969, surpassing versions by The Shirelles and The Beatles. I must say, their rendition really struck a chord with me.
I also threw in my own quirky version of “Birds” just for kicks. My recording process always follows the “let’s get this over with” motto. Each instrument gets one take, no more, no less. So, feel free to revel in my musical madness.
Adding some variety, I included “Blue Tango” by Gisele McKenzie. Interestingly, Bette Midler recorded this for her “Broken Blossom” album, though it was ultimately left out for reasons unknown. Originally an instrumental, someone later added lyrics to the song. The version I found is the only one with the added lyrics.
You’ll also find the demo of “Bottomless,” penned by Bonnie Hayes, who’s not only a songwriter but also a recording artist. She’s also known for her song “Bed Of Roses,” which, unfortunately, isn’t featured here.
A little off the beaten path is “The Bugler,” a country folk song about rural living, which stands out as the least typical Bette Midler song in this lineup. The Byrds later recorded it, making it a staple in their repertoire. It was supposedly intended for Bette’s second album, but you can see why it didn’t make the cut. It simply didn’t align with the album’s style, although I believe she could have put her own spin on it, as she always does.
Rounding out the selection, there are a few more tracks by Michael Bublé, Chaka Khan, and Deja Vu. I hope you’ll enjoy this eclectic mix of music. Happy listening!
