Okay kids, this is a late entry borne out of some comments that were made on Jefito’s blog. As you may or may not know, I try and participate in the weekly snarkfest known as Chartburn at Jefito’s blog with fellow music bloggers. He throws four songs at us from various years, and we respond. Well, this week on:
The Brothers Johnson song “I’ll Be Good To You” came up and I made a comment on loving Stawberry Letter #23. Well, in the comments section of the this week’s edition of “Chartburn” someone said they loved the version of the song by Shuggie Otis. I’ve never heard of Shuggie Otis nor had I heard his version. So, a few clicks and a download later, I got a hold of the song and, well, let’s just say that I’m curious to hear which version you like better.
Here’s Shuggie’s take on the song (Download)
And here’s the Brothers Johnson’s version (Download)
Brothers or Otis?
–PK
7 thoughts on “Cage Match: Stawberry Letter #23”
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PK,
I too love Strawberry Letter and grew up the the Brother’s Johnson version in my head. But much later I learned that it’s in fact Shuggie’s song. Inspiration Information originally came out in 1974. The Brother’s version came out in ’77.
I really like the version from the Brother Johnsons. I still hear this version on the radio almost every day at work. This guy who sits on the other side of part of my cubical listens to a soul station.
The first version of the song was not as upbeat, and the ending seemed to go on forever with the same bing bing of the xylophone..
I like the original by far.
Danny says he likes the original too.
I think I like the Shuggie version better. The Brothers Johnson version is just a bit more “funkified” though.
Shuggie actually penned the song. I prefer his, because I’m a true child of west coast, and I love my psychedelia. the brothers’ cover is pretty good, but I think it feels a lot more cohesive with Shuggie’s psych trip out mood.
I grew up with the Brothers’ version, so I’m partial to that one. But hearing them side by side, I think the Brothers’ version just grooves more. The drum fill after the extended guitar part adds that little something. Also, there’s just a fuller sound to their version.
But it’s a great song either way you look at it.