Roxyrama Cover Versions

Taxi

Following the problems Ferry had in the early Nineties with the Horoscope album that was to later appear as 'Mamouna', he took an interesting sidestep to record his first covers album for more than 15 years. It is said that Ferry was encouraged to return to his record collection by wife Lucy.

It certainly seemed to do the trick. A set of inspired selections made for a diverse and interesting album, returning the Great Man to public attention, and allowing him and producer Robin Trower to return to the Horoscope material afresh. The only self-penned track was the final one - 'Because You're Mine' - essentially a reprise of a refrain from 'I Put A Spell On You'.

I Put A Spell On You

(Screaming Jay Hawkins)

Manic bluesman Hawkins wrote and recorded this song in the 'Fifties as a slow ballad. In 1956, it is said that he re-recorded the song in uptempo fashion with his band heavily under the influence of alcohol. Legend has it that this version was the one that became famous. It has been recorded by numerous cover artists, notably jazz singer/pianist Nina Simone and Alan Price of the Animals. Lyrics for I Put A Spell On You

Will You Love Me Tomorrow

(Gerry Goffin / Carole King)

This tune was originally recorded by 60's pop divas The Shirelles, before original author Carole King reinterpreted it for her 1970 album 'Tapestry'. Ferry originally considered this song for his debut solo album in 1973, before plumping for another Goffin/King song 'Don't Ever Change'. Ferry's slower version was the first attempt to interpret the song from a male perspective. Ferry has often spoken favourably of the original, and of lead singer Shirley's vocal. By coincidence, Gerry Goffin's daughter Louise helped Ferry promote Taxi. Lyrics for Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Answer Me

(Winkler / Rauch / Sigman)

This song has a long history, having originally been a German song named Mutterlein. The song was given an English lyric, and became known by a series of cover versions, most notably that of Nat 'King' Cole. Lyrics for Answer Me

Just One Look

(Doris / Gregory)

Ferry once again returned to the Motown songs of his youth for this interpretation of Just One Look. The song is probably much better known in the Uk for the Hollies' jaunty uptempo version which reached Number 2 in 1964. Ferry's fragile vocal interpretation is very different from its predecessors. Lyrics for Just One Look

Rescue Me

(Miner / Smith)

Another Sixties tune reinterpreted by Ferry from Fontella Bass' thumping original classic. Ferry's quirky version has echoes in his song 'This Island Earth' from 'The Bride Stripped Bare'. Lyrics for Rescue Me

All Tomorrow's Parties

(Lou Reed)

Lou Reed's song provides an interesting vehicle for Ferry's voice, the second Reed song he has recorded, following conventional rocker 'What Goes On', from 'The Bride Stripped Bare'. I fell this interpretation suffers a little from comparison with the 1983 version recorded by Roxy clones Japan. Lyrics for All Tomorrow's Parties

Girl Of My Best Friend

(Ross / Bobrick)

This song is synonymous with Elvis Presley and is one of three Presley songs Ferry considered for Taxi, 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' and the unreleased 'One Night' being the others.Ferry's subtle cover may lack a little edge, but is beautifully performed and executed, and fits the groove of the album perfectly. Lyrics for Girl Of My Best Friend

Amazing Grace

(Traditional)

This is a song with a long history. Originally an English hymn called Tolden Hame, written by the Reverend J. M. Gates, it was given a new lyric by John Newton. The song was recorded by Judy Collins in 1970, and spent a year on the UK chart. In 1972 the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards took a bagpipe version to Number 1! Ferry said he selected this song after seing Meryl Streep sing it in the film Silkwood. Not his finest hour... Lyrics for Amaxing Grace

Taxi

(Banks / Brooks)

This song is probably the standout track from the album of the same name, a great, if unfamiliar song, beautifully interpreted. The original, by the J. Blackfoot Band, grazed the UK Top 50 chart in 1984. Ferry tells the story, probably apochryphal, of hearing the song on late night radio, and scribbling the lyric down whilst driving home at high speed from London to Sussex. Lyrics for Taxi

Last Updated: 24 March 2008