'Is Paris Burning?' - Greeny covers Ferryman for the SC Early Years Fest

[Greeny]

Couldn't resist a cover of this early-years beauty. An absolute peach of a new wave pop song from the brilliant Ferryman. Can't do it like Nigel himself, but hope it's OK.

Harley Benton 12-string, MiM Fender Strat, Ibanez bass, plus GB synths & drums. All done on the MBR except for the French emergency services sound FX added in Audacity.

Here's the original

https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?topic=1702.0

[Ferryman_1957]

Wow, what can I say, I am blown away! I knew Tim was doing this because he asked permission, so I have been waiting with bated breath to see what he would do with it. And the result is simply wonderful to these ears. I love how you've stayed true to the original but given it your own unique spin. It's got those jangly guitars but the synths add a whole layer of richness that was needed, and that stops it being a strumfest (something I felt was a weakness of my version). And the changes in vocal emphasis work really well, and I love what you did with the harmonies and t he oohs/aahs in the middle.

The middle part is great, it adds a lot more dynamics to the song and I love the b*llsy guitar part when it comes back in. There's some great bass playing in there as well, and I think the ending is great. Production is big, rich and warm, I just love it all. I think I prefer it to the original, and I will have this looping all day.....

A bit of background, the song was written in 1980 after I read an article in the paper about a French actress who committed suicide. I thought about one of her lovers from earlier in her life reminiscing about their time together. So the addition of the French emergency services is very appropriate.

Here's the lyrics in case anyone is interested:

I saw your picture in the news
A faded print of a faded you
The years have passed and I can't explain
You might have changed but the buildings stay the same

I held your hand and I felt the power
Of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower
Too late for me I realised
I was blinded by the stars in your eyes

Chorus:
Is Paris burning
From Versailles to Montmartre
Another change of scene brings another change of heart
Is Paris burning
Or is it just the dying flames in my heart

The small cafes and the boulevards
Just remind me of our past
The lights go dim and they start to sway
Engulfed by fire as they fade away
They fade away

Chorus

Middle part

More choruses

[Hook]

Wow Tim, stunner of a tribute here. Love the jangle, really well produced tune.
Rock on!

[guitarron]

Wow that is great song expertly imagined. The break is dramatic. GB is a pretty useful tool. Love the rickebaker like jangle

[cuthbert]

Fantastic tribute, Tim - love the mix of jangle and synths. I'm ashamed to say I'm not familiar with Nigel's original, but I'm about to remedy that oversight next.

[Farrell Jackson]

First I listened to Nigel's excellent song and throughout kept wondering what Tim would do with it because it was real good already. I was pleasantly surprised that Tim made it his own but didn't stray too far from the original. Most notable was the slightly slower tempo, addition of the synths and more backing vocals. The pause near the end and back in with the growling guitar was a clever add. Well done Nigel for writing and recording such a great sounding song and well done Tim for bringing it forward by 12 years with your lovely version!

[BerryPatch]

Brilliant translation of Nigel's brilliant track! It's a real winner lyrically and melodically and the jangly instrumentation you added is top notch. I'm excited to hear more from this festival, get a good sampling of SC oldies-but-goldies.

[Groundy]

What a great number, really enjoyed it, cant remember the original by Nigel, having said that i cant remember quite a few things these days, lol, but I am about to put that right.
Well done my friend.... Alex

[Groundy]

Just had a listen to The original by Nigel, I had missed this that is the reason I couldnt remember it... Such a well written number,.... Alex

[Jean Pierre]

Oulala, comme il s'agit d'une chanson sur Paris (brule t'il) ...je répond en français

J'apprecie le fait que Tim est mis la référence de la chanson originale de Nigel, chanson que je ne connaissais pas

j'ai d'abord écouté l'original et j'ai été impressionné par la composition, l'instrumentation un travail magnifique

J'ai ensuite écouté la reprise de Tim et alors, comme Nigel j'ai été bluffé par l'interpretation  , la formidable voix de Tim, le jeu de la guitare 12 cordes Rickenbacker (euh..pardon Haley Benton! )

and like Nigel

and I love the b*llsy guitar part when it comes back in.

Vraiment quelle qualité dans tout cela, je me sens tout petit...