Your Favourite Versions of Popular Standards

[object-lesson]

I love listening to the different ways classic songs have been interpreted in different styles over the years, and I want to know your particular preferred versions of numbers from The Great American Songbook or later songs that have been covered endlessly.

For example - can anyone convince me that this isn't the best version of Perfidia? Julie London, understated and elegant but still affecting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVmkOwE_TY4

Similarly, I haven't heard every single rendering of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, but of those I have, The Platters' would be my choice for its poise and harmonies. Have a feeling there's one I like even more, but can't bring it to mind. Educate me if you so desire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2di83WAOhU

So, C20th classics in their best incarnation please, with a little reasoning preferably.

[grassbath]

Not American in origin so I don't know if it fits your criteria, but the performance of classic early-twentieth century Irish ballad 'Danny Boy' by American barbershop group Suntones is absolutely spine-chilling. That key change in the middle and the eventual climax, fuck me with a brush.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtxApGqGza8

[jobotic]

That Julie London is ace. I only really know this (obviously very different, but very good) version

Phyllis Dillon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovhc7dEAjEs

Again I haven't heard many versions of this but I love Blossom Dearie's Surrey With a Fringe on Top

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr3Qnw79e7o

I've posted Nina Simone and You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To many times. One of my all time favourites. Heartbreaking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBtlLFfrVgs

[object-lesson]

Have to be honest and say Phyllis Dillon's is my favourite version of Perfidia but like a fool I overplayed it for a while so it got relegated just behind Julie London.

Never heard the Nina Simone - that's fantastic, quite unnerving, sounds like she's playing more than one piano.

Never understood people's prejudice against barbershop quartets. Too white or something? Like on that episode of Cheers when it was assumed everyone hated them and I thought they sounded fine. I hadn't heard of The Suntones before.

Cry Me a River is another Julie London-associated one and I very slightly prefer her version over Ella Fitzgerald's because even though Ella's singing is supernatural I think Julie London's restraint suits the song better.

Everyone will know them, but just in case:

Julie London: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkD_kYkRk3c

Ella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gn9A-kdsRo