Yes Indeed, Charles Aznavour was the original artist. One of the top 10 french singers that is for sure. THe thing is, he wanted to express his songs to a wider audience, so he translated some of his greatest hits into english with mixed results ("Hier encore" became "Yesterday, when I was young", La boheme was made in english). Not only did it'S french audience boohed him, but he had no success at all. So I think if I recall correctly that this was his only original english composition that really had any success whatsoever.
And I like the Elvis Costello interpretation much better. It cannot touch Aznavour's usual french lyrics from his famous songs, but Aznavour clearly showed here that he could write beautiful english rhymes. In his original interpretation, Azvavour is very cold, he seems not at ease with the recording, it was really missed. He is not a great english singer, period.
However, Elvis Costello made it good. I like his style. Sure it's not going to be a beautiful melody, but his unique style made the song a hit, and I like his. Anyway, Aznavour also recorded She, so you can listen to his version and compare if you feel like it.
Yes Indeed, Charles Aznavour was the original artist. One of the top 10 french singers that is for sure. THe thing is, he wanted to express his songs to a wider audience, so he translated some of his greatest hits into english with mixed results ("Hier encore" became "Yesterday, when I was young", La boheme was made in english). Not only did it'S french audience boohed him, but he had no success at all. So I think if I recall correctly that this was his only original english composition that really had any success whatsoever.
And I like the Elvis Costello interpretation much better. It cannot touch Aznavour's usual french lyrics from his famous songs, but Aznavour clearly showed here that he could write beautiful english rhymes. In his original interpretation, Azvavour is very cold, he seems not at ease with the recording, it was really missed. He is not a great english singer, period.
However, Elvis Costello made it good. I like his style. Sure it's not going to be a beautiful melody, but his unique style made the song a hit, and I like his. Anyway, Aznavour also recorded She, so you can listen to his version and compare if you feel like it.