Carl Storie (Dancing Shoes) my critique
There is a song called Dancing Shoes made famous by Nigel Olsson from 1978-79. The song was written by Carl Storie an Indianapolis/Muncie musician who recorded for the group Faith Band which he was lead singer. Their prime years were from 1973-1979. They broke, I believe, around 1983 (All their albums were recorded in Indianapolis except the first). Carl left for LA in the mid-80 then London and is now performing back in Indy with his own The Carl Storie Band.
My critque for Dancing Shoes is based on YouTube comments about which was the better version Nigel’s or Carl’s. Music Mike the VJ who introduces both songs on the YouTube clip diplomatically praises both songs. The song came from Faith Band’s 1978 album “Rock’n Romance” and Olsson’s “Nigel” album. Paul Davis produced Nigel’s single.
I love both songs too. Nigel’s version has that nostalgic sound of yesteryear with the synth pop (love that funnel riff on the chorus). It’s a skater’s prom song of having it all or appear to. While Carl’s version, same lyrics but different musical accompaniment and structure that tells a story that appeals to the strong, the weak, and invalid. The despair, the triumph, and the immobile. With a call to come forward and “put on those dancing shoes.”
Paul had big hits with I Go Crazy and Sweet Life before Nigel’s release which really rocketed his career. The producing was heavily influenced by Leo Sayer’s song “When I Need Love” from 1977 and Starbucks “Moonlight” from 1976. Very 70’s synth with a mellow AM radio production sound of Frankie Valli’s “My Eyes Adore You.” . It appeals to those in their 40’s who have made it and can look back with pleasantries as well as the hopeful 20’s on the verge. Finally, teen girls and boys looking for that idol. Because folks at those ages (stages) have the money and transportation to buy those big budget records at malls and record stores.
In Carl’s Faith Band version, Images of Vietnam Vets coming back, hunger, homelessness, and unemployement was all too common in Mid-America as well as America as a whole. Racism. Police brutality. Jim Jones. Financial greed. Then there is element of the local jock who didn’t make it, community college professors who lost tenure, lover losers who can’t get a date and middle men who could only shit down and not up. Finally, artists, difference makers, social climbers, creators, inventors, professionals, and local politicians wondering if they are going to fall or go higher.
The recording was ahead of its time like 1985 with songs by Bruce Hornsby and the Range with a mixture of accordion, nature synth sounds at the beginning, piano, good guitar solo, the gradual build up and a trailing organ with an R&B background sound of the group Johnny Hates Jazz or Swing Out Sister from 1988. You can hear some sounds that was 1978 like the rhythm guitar and parts of the synth in certain segments.
Because it was recorded in Indianapolis for the people of Indianapolis (all of America), the musical idea was to get people to come together from all walks of life to work together and build a better future all night long. My personal image is me watching a woman in uniform, putting chapstick on her children, getting ready to waitress at McCrory’s, and kissing her husband and children in tears goodbye while I sat and ate my hotdog with a group of aunties and their children. That was Dec. of 1978 in Cleveland, Ohio.
My critque for Dancing Shoes is based on YouTube comments about which was the better version Nigel’s or Carl’s. Music Mike the VJ who introduces both songs on the YouTube clip diplomatically praises both songs. The song came from Faith Band’s 1978 album “Rock’n Romance” and Olsson’s “Nigel” album. Paul Davis produced Nigel’s single.
I love both songs too. Nigel’s version has that nostalgic sound of yesteryear with the synth pop (love that funnel riff on the chorus). It’s a skater’s prom song of having it all or appear to. While Carl’s version, same lyrics but different musical accompaniment and structure that tells a story that appeals to the strong, the weak, and invalid. The despair, the triumph, and the immobile. With a call to come forward and “put on those dancing shoes.”
Paul had big hits with I Go Crazy and Sweet Life before Nigel’s release which really rocketed his career. The producing was heavily influenced by Leo Sayer’s song “When I Need Love” from 1977 and Starbucks “Moonlight” from 1976. Very 70’s synth with a mellow AM radio production sound of Frankie Valli’s “My Eyes Adore You.” . It appeals to those in their 40’s who have made it and can look back with pleasantries as well as the hopeful 20’s on the verge. Finally, teen girls and boys looking for that idol. Because folks at those ages (stages) have the money and transportation to buy those big budget records at malls and record stores.
In Carl’s Faith Band version, Images of Vietnam Vets coming back, hunger, homelessness, and unemployement was all too common in Mid-America as well as America as a whole. Racism. Police brutality. Jim Jones. Financial greed. Then there is element of the local jock who didn’t make it, community college professors who lost tenure, lover losers who can’t get a date and middle men who could only shit down and not up. Finally, artists, difference makers, social climbers, creators, inventors, professionals, and local politicians wondering if they are going to fall or go higher.
The recording was ahead of its time like 1985 with songs by Bruce Hornsby and the Range with a mixture of accordion, nature synth sounds at the beginning, piano, good guitar solo, the gradual build up and a trailing organ with an R&B background sound of the group Johnny Hates Jazz or Swing Out Sister from 1988. You can hear some sounds that was 1978 like the rhythm guitar and parts of the synth in certain segments.
Because it was recorded in Indianapolis for the people of Indianapolis (all of America), the musical idea was to get people to come together from all walks of life to work together and build a better future all night long. My personal image is me watching a woman in uniform, putting chapstick on her children, getting ready to waitress at McCrory’s, and kissing her husband and children in tears goodbye while I sat and ate my hotdog with a group of aunties and their children. That was Dec. of 1978 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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