With or Without You

As "With You," the lead single off the soon-to-be-released Caution (November 16!) enjoys the spotlight after M's lovely American Music Awards performance, the true lamb cannot help but recall that, A QUARTER CENTURY AGO, it was "Without You" with which M dominated airwaves in 1993. A cover of the song made popular by Harry Nilsson in 1972, "Without You" proved a great vehicle for a young MC with a voice still at 100%. The song is a bit syrupy, but who can resist putting a fist in the air on the second part of that first chorus (clue: not me)? It's a great showcase for her lower register, and shows her vocal agility as she transitions easily from the low notes to full-on belting. No breathiness, no whistle notes, just an incredible vocal performance..

Nilsson is actually quite an interesting chap. His success with "Without You" represented a peak, and he quickly fell off the charts through the 70s as commercial success eluded him. He is responsible for the "put de lime in de coconut" song. He was good friends with the Beatles, and became a gun law activist after the death of John Lennon. And, tragically, he owned the flat in London where both Mama Cass and Keith Moon died (four years apart, but both at the age of 32). Not exactly someone who seems ripe for a Mariah cover, but there you go. As M tells it, her mom sang "Without You" to her as a child and she's loved the song ever since.

Here's a famous live version from M's Fantasy tour at Madison Square Garden:



And of course, we cannot forget Ken Lee.



I have more thoughts on "With You," so watch this space!