My Version Is Better Than Yours Part 4 –Left Side vs Bonnie St. Claire –(Like A) Locomotion

Welcome to a special Dutch edition of My Version Is Better Than Yours! In fact this is a case of Peter Koelewijn versus himself as he produced both versions.

Left Side –(Like A) Locomotion/Mama You Said The Right Words –Philips 6012362 (1973 NL)

For my money this may be my favourite Dutch single of all time. The Left Side original has one the best and catchy production jobs from the 70s. Peter somehow manages to create so much space yet adds so much texture. Listen to how the Leslie guitar morphs into a Fuzz part and groove to the judicious rhythmic use of the Wah Wah. The finale (not included in the edit –sorry) is simply breathtaking as all the parts converge with some strange trippy bleeps thrown in as well. It’s all so simple, but all so right. It’s a work of pure genius.

Bonnie St. Claire –Rocco/ (Like A) Locomotion –Philips 6012546 (1975 NL)

Peter revisits his great song with our Bonnie. Although relegated to the B side, it would have certainly been a better A side. This version is faster and starts off with a straight Get It On riff-off. The Gregorian chants are a nice touch and makes you think of what could have been if Peter had lent his hand to producing Lemming. Bonnie’s performance is great as usual and she was still unaware of the meaning of the number 52 or that she would ever be compared to an Orangutan...


Click below for edits of both songs