Stand By Me and a Few Other Tunes
The song Stand By Me has been one of my favorites from the first time I heard Ben. E. King sing it many many years ago. Some time ago I came upon the Peace Through Music Page with the featured song being SBM. I was totally captivated by the arrangement and the complex editing. After a bit I started to look for other covers of the song and this page emerged. The various versions found here do justice (more or less) to the spirit of the song. You may differ on your opinion but I think all are worth a listen.
I'm not sure if you can stand listening to all these versions in one sitting but you never know. So if you have nothing better to do and need a break from the studio start clicking. I don't think Ben E. King knew his song would reach the heights it has.
There are many YouTube versions available besides the ones I've posted and they run the gamut from a guy in his bedroom, Lady Gaga, through Lennon and others up to and including guys singing on the NY subway as recorded with a cell phone. I hope you enjoy the tunes and oh yes, the last few tunes are not Stand By Me but some good tunes nonetheless.
If you haven't seen a movie called Pirate Radio I would recommend you do. The film is filled with all the music I love. I had to also include Lennon's song "Imagine" also from Playing for Change. Just one really beautiful song. Lastly, if you scroll down to the bottom of the page you will see a tune called Satchita. Click on that one and I defy you to stay seated for very long. You should get up and dance because you've been at your computer for too long anyway and you need the exercise.
Okay, that about covers it. Get back to work or send me an Email and tell me what song floats your glass.
Below are other tunes posted on the net from the Playing for Change website. They are great arrangements and really worth a listen.
Playing for Change