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Best background vocals ever in a song

M

MacHeadCase

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According to you, what are the best background vocals ever sung on a tune?

I'm talking here of background vocals that really make the tune, like if they weren't there the song would be lifeless.

So I'll start...

For me it's Merry Clayton on The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter. IMO she outperforms Jagger to the point where he is taking the backseat almost, he just can't keep up with her performance.

What is your pick?
 
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Off the top of my head, I'd have to quote the refrain from

Under The Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
 
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Oh ... it's got me immediately nominating the song that's playing on the radio right now!

"Good Vibrations" - The Beach Boys.
 
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I Will | Radiohead

Three harmonies, one awesome song.
 
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O Children, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. It's the London Community Gospel Choir. If you've got kids, it'll make you cry.

Check it out.
 
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I've gotta say that I think the harmonies in "Fix You" by coldplay are pretty awesome (4 part harmonies - and they do them live too).

Otherwise I love the Beatles' harmonic arrangements (Paperback writer anyone?).
 
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Aptmunich, I was actually reading that there are nine (9!) vocal tracks on the CD version of the track. Nine!
 
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I love the back-up vocals done by Hazel Miller in many Songs performed by Big Head Todd & The Monsters.
 
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I am probably going to be shot for this, but any Moldy Peaches song in which Kimya Dawson sings. She is a horrible singer...but GOD I love her voice and her lyrics. I have a soft spot for bad singers with cute lyrics.
 
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Mr. Sandman - Don't know who the artist is. (Metallica might do an awesome version tho')
 
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Wishes *** Human Nature

At times is this song and others different members of the band do lead vocals and the rest do the back up vocals. And the 4 harmonise just so well together.
 

eric


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For me it's Merry Clayton on The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter. IMO she outperforms Jagger to the point where he is taking the backseat almost, he just can't keep up with her performance.

What is your pick?

jeeze... i'd say that were mine too, but i haven't put any thought into it yet.

i'm guessing you're saying this is mainly popular music, and either layered vocals from the same one to three people in the same band or actual backup singers?

my other thought as i was typing this was pretty much anything from queen. i'm in love with my car sticks out to me atm.

nada surf is another good one.

i'll have to think about this. ;)
 
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M

MacHeadCase

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On Stina Nordenstam's And She Closed Her Eyes there are two songs where there is a boys' choir singing background vocals that are really beautiful.

The two songs are: Little Star and Murder in Mairyland Park.
 
OP
M

MacHeadCase

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*Snip*

i'm guessing you're saying this is mainly popular music, and either layered vocals from the same one to three people in the same band or actual backup singers?

*Snip*

Not necessarily, eric. Anything goes.
icon10.gif


Another great background vocal is done by Joni Mitchell on her own tune Song for Sharon on her Hejira album. Those vocals are haunting.
 
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prodigy - smack my b**ch up

pink floyd - the great gig in the sky (although i guess technically it is the only vocals... but... well....hhmm i say it counts.)
 

eric


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did anyone happen to see this at the american grammys?

gnarles barkley . crazy (live at the grammys)

talk about vocals - both lead and background.
just an amazingly brilliant version of this song. sends shivers up my spine, even when i see it low-res like this.
 
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If layering counts, then just about anything Elliott Smith did. Emmylou Harris does great backround. But I'd have to agree With Gimme Shelter. That's one bad mother of a song. Even after 9000 listens.
 

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