You Sexy Thing 1975 Fest

[Pete C]

I know the original – Oh how I know the original.

I have to admit, I put off listening to this. From the first time I ever heard this (at the age of 12 or 13) I found that vocal leap of the intro and chorus to be kind of startling – a major fucking 10th. Are we alpine yodeling here, or what? To say nothing of the nascent anti-dance-music sentiments I had at that age. When I saw this in the jukebox here, I asked myself, "Is Pete really going for that? Brave man. But do I want to hear it?"

I don't fault you for sticking to a more reasonable vocal range. (I used to be able to hit that B4 note, but I think those days are gone). But also your vocal performance is more natural – less cheesy and "look what I can do" showy than the original. You've made it listenable, and it's on about it's 5th repeat right now.

Not to say that your version isn't cheesy. It still is. And you still get a Songcrafters medal of bravery for sharing this.

It's clear you took care with this production: The bass, the strings, the synth. Tell us about the guitar over on the left – is that an auto-wah?

Some cheese in moderation isn't too bad..I don't view my music too seriously and it's all for a bit of fun ! I shall wear my medal with pride !

I recorded all the music before attempting to sing the song and was struggling. I tried it in a higher register, added some Boss BR800 harmonies, ran it through the pitch correction patch, played it to the Mrs who said it was awful then recorded the final version in my usual half an octave range and thought that'll have to do.

The rhythym guitar was played through my Tone City Funny Boy pedal which is a cheap copy of the Mad Professor Snow White auto wah.

My recording modus operandi has changed a bit recently - at one time I'd get all my gear out and record a song in a few hours then post it. I've started taking a bit more time now. I'll do the main guitar tracks on one day then come back later to add any extras like strings, solos and vocals. My cheese is now more processed lol.

To be honest, it's never been a favourite song of mine either but it does bring back memories of the 70's and, at least from the playing aspect, it seemed something fairly easy to do.

[thetworegs]

You brought a memory back Pete with this one I went to see Hot chocolate back in the 70's with my mum & dad at the ABC in peterborough I think it was my first concert great cover by the way

[StephenM]

this sounds even better when you open up two of them and put them just a tiny amount apart from each other.
I remember this crazy song so well...the mid 70's had great music and also very weird music..
this might be cheesy but it isn't swiss.
you did real good with the keys and that bass... love this.  got me bopping and hoppin...
does your band do this one... could be a good add for late in the gig after everyone is a bit tipsy...

[StephenM]

played it to the Mrs who said it was awful

imagine that

[Farrell Jackson]

Cheesy is good Pete! This is one of those songs, cheesy or not, that I listened to a lot. Not by choice but because it played on all the USA pop stations all the time. Nicely done on this cover!

[Pete C]

does your band do this one... could be a good add for late in the gig after everyone is a bit tipsy...

Not had chance to speak to you recently Stephen, but unfortunately my band has finished so I'm back to being a lonely bedroom guitarist again   

[dasilvasings]

No, those strings/ synths in the background are not cheesy at all ;-)

I heard this song for the first time (at least that I remember) in the OST of Full Monty, a 1997 movie.
Great song, great choice, great groove with the bass pulling the song.

I was reading in former replies what you did with the vocals, and I can relate with you. Most of the time it is not worth to try to sing as the original, because, we, mere mortals, simply don't have their voices. Just stick where you are comfortable and keep it your own.

[BerryPatch]

Such a classic sound, I think everyone alive subconsciously knows that groove/riff. Great recording here and your vocals and synths take it over the top. Great cover!

[Zoltan]

Looking back... When i was younger i thought this song was creepy and sleazy.

I still think it's sleazy. Kinda makes me wonder if i should cover it too at somepoint.

Your version is more house broken.

The original has borderline sex offender vibes. My version would probably sound like it was sung behind the bars.

Yeah, this is the version to hear if you wanna keep it clean(er).