Day 118: April 28: It's Only a Paper Moon

"It wouldn't be make believe if you believed in me."

Here's the other James entry on the "A League of Their Own" soundtrack.  This one is an interesting take on an old Nat King Cole song.  I had an argument about this version with someone several years ago.  I think James taking a more literal approach to the lyrics makes it his own.  Nat plays it more up-tempo giving the song an almost ironic feel- or perhaps like the singer is trying to convince himself that things are ok.  James slows it down and makes the same lyrics mean something slightly different.  Musically, it's the same strategy he uses for songs like Handyman and Everyday.  Take the upbeat song, slow it down and add in pathos.  I think it works here.  My friend thinks the tension in Nat's version is what makes the song work.  That tension is absent here.  I'll let you judge for yourself.

It's Only a Paper Moon

This song was a go-to for me when I was a kid scouring my grandfather's record collection...when I wasn't grooving to some Burl Ives.  The sing-a-long here isn't too great but I really like seeing Nat perform.  I think I was first drawn to Nat because of my grandfather but have really grown to discover how much good stuff he put out.

Rambling Rose