Imaginary Sounds Mix 30; Part 1: I Only Have Eyes For You

The next compilation will mark a milestone for Imaginary Sounds. Number 30! Much lower than expected when I started with the idea of doing a mix every month. But that's ok. I'm doing something a little special with this one and releasing 3 mini-compilations; each one containing several cover versions of 3 of my favorite songs of all time.

Here's where you come in. I want you to vote for your favorite version by leaving a comment on that particular mini-compilations page. I want your friends to vote too. 

1. Download and listen to each mini-compilation as it comes out. "I Only Have Eyes For You" is the first.
2. Leave a comment telling me which cover version is your favorite on EACH mini-comp. Put your email in the comment.
3. Once the last mini-comp is posted and i've got all votes in, I will do a random drawing.
4. The person who is pulled in the random drawing will pick any album from my top-25 of 2012 list of albums. I will buy them a physical copy of that album in any format they choose (Digital, CD, Vinyl, or Cassette if it exists).

You HAVE to vote on your favorite song on EACH mini-comp to be eligible!

(download full album) [46MB]

One of the greatest love songs ever written, I Only Have Eyes for you is the first covers mini-compilation in this trilogy of mixes. Here are 7 versions of the song originally written and released in the mid-30s for the Warner Bros. musical comedy film Dames. While the number was certainly popular then, the song didn't catch on in the public consciousness until the Flamingos' incredibly moody and slightly melancholic doo-wop version was released in 1959. The song highlights the convictions of personal monogamy experienced in the throws of true love and the confusion you sometimes feel about everyday experiences in the light of absolute mental devotion to another person. You stop noticing the weather, the sky; sometimes you even forget where you are. Anyone who's truly been in love or infatuation can relate to this song, and the songwriting is completely bulletproof. 

Here Mercury Rev updates the song to mellenial indie standards, Zapp give us a completely over the top funk revitalization, Martina Topley-Bird cools it down and trips it up, the piano virtuoso Art Tatum gives us a transcendental interlude, Beck gives us the newest, dreamiest version, and Art Garfunkel...well, can I say I think he perfects the song? He does.

Enjoy! Part Two coming just around the corner. Don't forget to vote.

1. Mercury Rev 
2. The Flamingos
3. Zapp
4. Martina Topley-Bird
5. Art Tatum
6. Beck
7. Art Garfunkel