Recorded - circa 1969
Originally released - May 1969
Released as a single - September 1969
#1 for weeks of November 8, 15 and 22, 1969.
I have already discussed The 5th Dimension in my earlier "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" review, so I won't repeat myself with the band's history. Their album, The Age Of Aquarius was released in May of '69, and entirely consisted of covers. One of these, "Wedding Bell Blues", was later released as a single and became their final #1 on the US pop charts. Now, I feel it would be a great injustice if I didn't mention the author of "Wedding Bell Blues", Laura Nyro.
Laura was a New York-based singer/songwriter who, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated songwriters of the 1960's. She released her first material in 1966. Songs such as "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stony End", and "And When I Die", all come across as personal, heartfelt and soulful. It's even more amazing that Laura was barely 20 years old when she recorded these songs. Many of her songs were later covered by "Three Dog Night", "Blood, Sweat & Tears" and of course, "The 5th Dimension".
I'll give The 5th Dimension credit for sticking with a similar feel as Laura's original. Both versions feature piano as the predominant instrument, although The 5th Dimension use a tack piano as well (A piano with metal thumbtacks pressed into the felt hammers to create a Western-saloon piano sound). The 5th Dimension's version also features a more prominent string and brass part, and doesn't have the harmonica that is present in Laura's version.
As for vocals, both arrangements are very similar, although The 5th Dimension version has the addition of male vocals, whereas the original version is just Laura harmonizing with herself. Because of The 5th Dimension's blend of male/female vocals, The "Marry Me Bill" chorus comes across as a bit more vocally powerful as a result.
However, Laura Nyro's original version still comes out as the better one in my eyes. Her performance has a more fragile and pure quality. Plus, she wrote the song herself. So naturally, the words she sings are from her own experiences, which adds emotional resonance to the performance. In 2012, fifteen years after Laura succumbed to ovarian cancer, she was posthumously, and deservingly, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Final Verdict - The 5th Dimension's version of "Wedding Bell Blues", is a respectable interpretation of a Laura Nyro original. I still prefer the original as The 5th Dimension version comes across as a bit too-Vegasy at times. The lead vocals and the brass section all seem as if they're tailor-made for a star studded cabaret ball. Regardless, I'd highly recommend comparing the two versions of "Wedding Bell Blues" and determine for yourself which one you like best.
Coming Up Next - "Come Together", and "Something", by The Beatles.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and I'm a five dimensional kinda guy -
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