SHIRLEY BASSEY "THIS IS MY LIFE"

**discodisco** · August 11th, 2005, 11:41 PM

Here's another record I love...1st time I heard this record some drag queen at a club called "Feathers" in Hackensack New Jersey was performing it.I actually found this on CD...the cd is called "This is my life the lost disco mixes Printed in Greece... released in 2001 on the MINOS-EMI S.A. Label cd#724387916425... 3 Tracks 1.this is..Meco Version-(6:17)
2.this is...(disco version) (4:53) 3.This Is...Original versio-(3:13) check it out...
http://www.discomusic.com/records-more/2481_0_2_0_C/

**Mixmachine** · August 12th, 2005, 01:22 PM

The Meco Menardo version of "This is my Life" ( UAST-20388) - (6:15) was released first, this version is the one with the accapella intro and in my opinion a much better disco mix than the second issue mixed by Rick Gianatos, this last version (UA-P007-D) tries very hard to make it even more "Disco" and in the process removes the raw energy of the original not to mention they completely cut out Shirley's wonderful intro, also for this second version Shirley re-recorded her vocals, but here she's not able to match the passionate performance she delivered in the original release, she even strains to reach certain notes she cleanly nails in the first performance. This second vinyl release is very collectable because it contains a cover of Manilow’s “Copacabana” with Shirley back in top form. 8) Not sure if this cover was ever released in any of her Albums and the 12" doesn't say, Anyone knows?

**BrunoRepublic** · August 12th, 2005, 08:12 PM

Wow, I never knew that. I have both of these 12s, but I never realized that they had different mixes (my copy with the Rick Gianatos mix has the labels for side 2 on both sides, so I didn't clue in that the a-side was a different mix).

I agree with your assessment that the Meco version is superior. I just could never get into that stripped-down sound that Gianatos pioneered.

AFAIK, neither of these appeared on her albums. The original studio version was done years before. I have most (although not all) of her releases from that period and it's not on any of them... these versions would seem terribly out-of-place next to her usual material. Incidentally, her umpteen best-of compilations inevitably pick a live version of this track. I like the original studio best.

**discotom73** · August 14th, 2005, 07:25 AM

Also, she sung the theme song of the 1979 James Bond movie, "Moonraker". It may not be the best Bond movie, but at least Bassey sung a wonderful song.

**Energyguy** · August 14th, 2005, 07:59 AM

Originally Written by discotom73

Also, she sung the theme song of the 1979 James Bond movie, "Moonraker". It may not be the best Bond movie, but at least Bassey sung a wonderful song.

This is actually my favourite recording by her.. I have never found a vinyl copy but have it on CD - Superb :D

**Mixmachine** · August 14th, 2005, 01:27 PM

Originally Written by discotom73

Also, she sung the theme song of the 1979 James Bond movie, "Moonraker". It may not be the best Bond movie, but at least Bassey sung a wonderful song.

She also did the tittle song for "Goldfinger" and " Diamonds are forever" in the Bond series.

During the closing end credits of "Moonraker" she sings the theme song over a "Disco" theme, very nice one, very similar to "The Deep" with Donna Summers since it was arranged by John Williams, someone mentioned this here long ago wondering about a CD/vinyl release of this version, but I've never seen one :(

Energyguy does your cd contains the opening credits version or the "Disco" version?

**Energyguy** · August 14th, 2005, 01:38 PM

Originally Written by Mixmachine

Originally Written by discotom73

Also, she sung the theme song of the 1979 James Bond movie, "Moonraker". It may not be the best Bond movie, but at least Bassey sung a wonderful song.

She also did the tittle song for "Goldfinger" and " Diamonds are forever" in the Bond series.

During the closing end credits of "Moonraker" she sings the theme song over a "Disco" theme, very nice one, very similar to "The Deep" with Donna Summers since it was arranged by John Williams, someone mentioned this here long ago wondering about a CD/vinyl release of this version, but I've never seen one :(

Energyguy does your cd contains the opening credits version or the "Disco" version?

My CD has both versions on it - I must say I love the disco version. I was lucky enough to find the vinylLP soundtrack to THE DEEP - It has both John Barrys excellent score and the Donna Summer suite 8)

**Mixmachine** · August 14th, 2005, 01:38 PM

Originally Written by Graham_Start

AFAIK, neither of these appeared on her albums. The original studio version was done years before. I have most (although not all) of her releases from that period and it's not on any of them... these versions would seem terribly out-of-place next to her usual material. Incidentally, her umpteen best-of compilations inevitably pick a live version of this track. I like the original studio best.

Graham, not even on "The Magic is you" Album? As you know both 12s mention "this is my life" was taken fron this Lp, is this the original Jazz version on this LP?

I'm not very familiar with much of Shirley's catalog, she's in my want list of artist I need to explore, but, so much music, so little time :cry:

**Mixmachine** · August 14th, 2005, 01:42 PM

[quote=Energyguy][quote="Mixmachine
Energyguy does your cd contains the opening credits version or the "Disco" version?[/quote]

My CD has both versions on it - I must say I love the disco version. I was lucky enough to find the vinylLP soundtrack to THE DEEP - It has both John Barrys excellent score and the Donna Summer suite 8)

which one is it? could you list the name and Catalog number?, I never checked before and always assumed that since the other poster was looking for it here that it never existed.

**BrunoRepublic** · August 14th, 2005, 02:10 PM

Now I'm not sure. "The Magic Is You" is a best-of compilation, so I'd always passed on it in favour of the original LPs. However, according to this page here: http://www.songsofshirleybassey.co.uk/info/trklc92.html
it supposedly does have the 4'53 disco version of it. But that's a reissue, so I don't know if the original LP was like that or not. Bassey's catalog has been so chopped up, mixed up, and recompiled, that it's hard to know what's what.

"I, Capricorn" remains my favourite LP of hers that I've heard.