Perfect Day is a song written by Lou Reed in 1972, originally featured on Transformer, Reeds second post-Velvet Underground solo album, and as the B-side of his major hit, Walk on the Wild Side. In 1997, a version of the song was showcased by the BBC in a lengthy corporate promotion of its diverse music coverage which was broadcast on BBC channels and in cinemas. It featured Lou Reed himself and other major artists in what the Financial Times described as an astonishing line-up of world class performers. In reference to the licence fee, the film ends with the message Whatever your musical taste, it is catered for by BBC Radio and Television. This is only possible thanks to the unique way the BBC is paid for by you. BBC. You make it what it is. This message appears over the repeated words Youre going to reap just what you sow which The Guardian described as a none too subtle message: keep writing the cheque. In response to accusations from commercial competitors that the corporation had wasted vast sums on the film it was revealed that each artist received a token £250 because of their belief in the BBC. Prompted by huge public demand the track was released on November 17, 1997 as a charity single for Children in Need, and Reed said I have never been more impressed with a performance of one of my songs. It was the UKs number one single for three weeks, in two separate spells. The record contributed £2,125,000 to the charitys highest fundraising total in six years, and by November 2012 has sold 1.55 million copies. The release featured two additional versions of the song: one entirely sung by female performers, one by male performers. The BBC also produced a Christmas version of the accompanying music video. In Ireland, the song was also a huge success, remaining at number one for seven weeks, and becoming that years Christmas number one. Lou Reed Bono Skye Edwards (from Morcheeba) David Bowie Suzanne Vega Elton John (Andrew Davis) Boyzone Lesley Garrett (Lou Reed) Burning Spear Bono Thomas Allen (Brodsky Quartet) Heather Small (from M People) Emmylou Harris Tammy Wynette Shane MacGowan (Sheona White) (tenor horn player) Dr. John David Bowie Robert Cray Huey Morgan (from Fun Lovin Criminals) Ian Broudie (from The Lightning Seeds) Gabrielle Dr. John Evan Dando (from The Lemonheads) Emmylou Harris (Courtney Pine) (soprano saxophone player) (BBC Symphony Orchestra) (Andrew Davis) (Bono) Brett Anderson (from Suede) Visual Ministry Choir Joan Armatrading Laurie Anderson Heather Small Tom Jones Heather Small Lou Reed Producer/Director: Gregory Rood
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 21:34:17 +0000
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