Roxyrama Cover Versions

Another Time, Another Place

Ferry followed up his 1973 album of cover versions 'These Foolish Things', with another eclectic selection from his record collection a year later. Apart from the title track, the album was composed entirely of interpretations of other artist's work. It is noticeable that many of these songs were popular during Ferry's formative years, particularly those he spent at University in the mid-1960's.

The 'In' Crowd

(Page)

The In Crowd, had been a minor hit for Dobie Gray in 1965, reaching Number 25 in the UK, while Ferry was at University. Nine years later Ferry's frenetic version reached number 13. Early Roxy Music guitarist Davy O'List returned to favour to be featured on the extraordinary ending to the track. Lyrics to The 'In' Crowd

Smoke Gets In your Eyes

(Kern / Harbach)

Ferry's second single from the album was considered an unusual choice, as he followed the example he set with These Foolish Things by selecting a song popularised in the 1930's. However in 1959 The Platters do wop version reached number 1 in the UK. Originally written for the Broadway musical 'Roberta', Ferry's faithful rendition reached number 17 in September 1974. With Ferry having brought the song back to public attention, it was featured in a memorable advert for Esso Blue fuel. Lyrics to Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Walk A Mile In My Shoes

(Joe South)

Unknown in the UK, Joe South's homily on the importance of consideration for your fellow man was covered by Ferry in an energetic performance. South is known in the UK only for his 1969 hit 'Games People Play' Lyrics to Walk A Mile In My Shoes

Funny How Time Slips Away

(Willie Nelson)

Despite his vast catalogue of songs, including Patsy Cline's 'Crazy', Nelson had little success in the UK, but Ferry's version of his classic song offered a nice contrast between the delicate opening and the rocky denouement, driven by Paul Thompson's muscular drumming. Lyrics to Funny How Time Slips Away

You Are My Sunshine

(Davis / Mitchell)

Jimmie Davis, who died in 2000, at the age of 101, popularised his song, which has become something of a standard over the years. A strange vehicle for Ferry, who seemed unsure at this time as to whether he was a cabaret singer, or a kitsch ironist. Lyrics to You Are My Sunshine

(What A) Wonderful World

(Cooke / Alpert / Adler / Campbell)

Soul legend Sam Cooke had taken this classic song to number 2 in the UK in 1960, with Herman's Hermits had also charted at number 7 in 1965. With Cooke a hard act to follow for any singer, it is the innovative arrangement, with it's steel drum theme which is the most striking aspect of this rendition. In an amazing piece of kitsch, Ferry sang this song as a duet with Twiggy on her 1974 TV show, whilst both singers wore school uniform! Lyrics to (What A) Wonderful World

It Ain't Me Babe

(Bob Dylan)

Ferry's second foray into Dylan's catalogue, was brought to public attention by Johnny Cash's number 28 cover version in 1965. Lyrics to It Ain't Me Babe

Fingerpoppin'

(Ike Turner)

Ike Turner's rocker was virtually unknown in Britain, and was certainly another eclectic choice, but offered a poppy alternative to the more sedate songs which surround it. Lyrics to Fingerpoppin'

Help Me Make It Through The Night

(Kris Kristofferson)

Another kitsch classic, and unusual choice for Ferry, Kris Kristoferson's song had twice entered the UK charts in the two years prior to Another Time, Another Place's release, with Gladys Knight reaching no.11 in 1972, and John Holt getting to number 6 in 1974. Not a standout moment in his career... Lyrics to Help Me Make It Through The Night

Last Updated: 24 March 2008