Shirley Bassey - This Masquerade

[joetherevelator]

Ms. Bassey is just the great female vocalist ever!

[domdedomify]

I can't believe that so many people are being so offensive for this video. I think Shirley does a great job of this song. Her voice is powerful, rich and smooth. However my preference is Karen Carpenter, who I think tells the story and reflects the sadness of the song with her voice. For me Shirley doesn't do that as well. But both are fantastic in their own special ways.

[paulkate72]

There are a lot of comments here about Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter and others - all of whom are good in their respective fields - even great, esp. Bassey. But really, do any compare with Leon Russell who wrote the song?

Surely, Leon's version is the measuring line against which all others are judged in singing Masquerade.

[paulkate72]

There are a lot of comments here about Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter and others. But really, do any compare with Leon Russell who wrote the song?

Surely, Leon's version is the measuring line against which all others are judged in singing Masquerade.

[paulkate72]

There are a lot of comments here about Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter and others - all of whom are good in their respective fields - even great, esp. Bassey. But really, do any compare with Leon Russell who wrote the song?

Surely, Leon's version is the measuring line against which all others are judged in singing Masquerade.

[paulkate72]

There are a lot of comments here about Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter and others - all of whom are good in their respective fields - even great, esp. Bassey. But really, do any compare with Leon Russell who wrote the song?

Surely, Leon's version is the measuring line against which all others are judged in singing Masquerade.

[paulkate72]

There are a lot of comments here about Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter and others - all of whom are good in their respective fields - even great, esp. Bassey. But really, do any compare with Leon Russell who wrote the song?

Surely, Leon's version is the measuring line against which all others are judged in singing Masquerade.

[paulkate72]

There are a lot of comments here about Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter and others - all of whom are good in their respective fields - even great, esp. Bassey. But really, do any compare with Leon Russell who wrote the song?

Surely, Leon's version is the measuring line against which all others are judged in singing Masquerade.

[mike23984]

Freaking amazing. Seriously just listened to this 6 times.

[paulkate72]

@mike23984 There are a lot of comments here about Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter and others - all of whom are good in their respective fields - even great, esp. Bassey. But really, do any compare with Leon Russell who wrote the song?

Surely, Leon's version is the measuring line against which all others are judged in singing Masquerade.

[avuncular300]

Shirley has been my favourite singer, female that is, for several decades. The male counterpart, is of course, Neil Sedaka. What troupers each of these are. Dame Shirley is a heaven-sent vocalist of incredible power and gift of interpretation. Long may she reign !

[eduardoargentino]

I love it. After Leo and karen the best performance.

[slyme1711]

check out Karen Carpenter and Ella Fitzgerald doing this song as a duet !!

[love2ocean]

Karen and Shirley they sing the song differently!.. They both incomparable with the rest of the female singers.. My most favorites!!!

[Windy888City]

don't be a twat - how can you compare karen carpenter with shirley bassey - might as well compare them with yourselves, there's that much difference ...... ffs!!

[Windy888City]

don't be a twat - how can you compare karen carpenter with shirley bassey....... ffs!!

[frankieheartsful]

On this one, it's Karen Carpenter, SB and George Benson in that order.

[showsplaylists]

swoon lol

[Aqene1000]

Grew up in the 60s hearing Shirleys powerful voice...love every inflection. Shes still rockin hard with young musicians.....a true superstar

[donkiddick08]

i've seen you make similar comments on the last 3 SB vids i've looked at. if you think she's so bad, dont watch her, or are you a masochist?

[PeaceFan1]

If you take a look at some other comments TheBezzula, you'll see that I am not the only one who thinks Bassey's version of this song is quite bad and obviously not as superb as Karen Carpenter's...she isn't my idol, she's just a much better singer which is clear to see here ..Just as esprit61's posting of, " I could have danced all night "...you can't be serious if you think that even compares to Julie Andrews' version...Hello ?! That's even worse the This masquerade ..Tourettes much, Shirley ?

[TheBezzula]

Peace I think that you have something wrong with your speakers! When you are writing this nonsense about this great voice! DSB is a unique singer with a brilliant carrier behind her and her present performances are unbeleivable. I hate it when fans are getting jelous when they hear or see an artist better than their idol....

[TheBezzula]

OK Peace, let start the melodramatic! First of all when you called DSB a M.C "wannabe" in another video we would say that you might be a "wannabe" critic or? How can you write these lines when this lady survived more that 50 years in show business with sucess! And I don't know why you say you don't like her work because you are watching each step and writing after each move she does!

[esprit61]

Bassey, unlike Karen Carpenter, Judy Garland, and more dusty once producing sound, today still has a extraordinary untouchable voice! Thats it. About ya melodramatic cheesy bad cabaret drama; Who cares about arm gestures, eyebrow raises or facial expressions. Couldnt care if they all fart on stage. The untouchable voice! Thats it! Like no other! Btw.. Maria Callas.. untouchable as well!

[Coowallsky]

@esprit61 Karen Carpenter's voice is every bit as untouchable as Shirley's. Just another reason I love them both.

[esprit61]

@Coowallsky Agree! Very different voice, but ceratinly untouchable as well.

[TheBerlinMicha]

I wonder about the aggressive undertone in some comments. Both- Bassey an Carpenter- created an own and unique style. Bassey is still a real show giant and has a powerful voice with 72 years. It`s no problem, that she likes this theatrical attitude- it fits to her. So, just enjoy the different versions of this song.

Carmen McRae`s is nice, too!

[TheBerlinMicha]

No reason for verbal alltacks. Both of them, Karen Carpenter and Shirley Bassey, have a unique style. Karen C. has a wonderful, soft and clear voice that seems to be made for pop ballads. Shirley Bassey likes this theatrical attitude

and is still (72 years!) a powerful stage and show performer. How would a Karen C. version of BIG SPENDER sound? So, just be happy about different ways of interpreting! (Sorry for my school english!)

[Jenot59]

frankieheartsfool (..)is being totally childish and slandering Karen with his remarks. so shame on you.

Karen would have looked absolutey great in that shining back sexy outfit! she was very feminin and just had the wrong outfits on all the time, which is really so sad.

By the way, Shirly and Karen should never be compared there voices and style are totally different!

Love both of them:-)

[suzanneguetta]

nothing to see with karen's version which is mutch better

[frankieheartsful]

Some people are intimidated by the forcefulness of Bassey's voice. Well, get over it!

Karen Carpenter could not carry Bassey's jockstrap!

Somebody give KC a ham sandwich.

[PeaceFan1]

The worst version ever of this song...Bassey swallows words and is over melodramatic as per usual ..just awful...had to stop it half way through ...

[livevest]

I totally agree - she Bassey tear this song apart ! I hate this version !

[livevest]

I completely agree with you - what a horryfying version with Bassey - the best version will always be Karen Carpenters ! May she rest in peace

[PeaceFan1]

This is the absolute WORST version of this song EVER !! Bassey swallows her words and is completely over melodramatic ...as per usual .UGH !! I can't stomach her...Karen is so superior as a vocalist...sorry ..LOL

[PeaceFan1]

The true Wedding singer here is Bassey, frankieheartsful...Her style is so god awful over melodramatic ..she swallows words and just makes me cringe !! Karen is so superior not only in this song but others as well....she just sings the song, simply and hauntingly and really moves you with her Angelic voice ..the comparison is a joke ...a voice like no other ? I am so LOL ...That made my night ..xo

[PeaceFan1]

Can't believe what I am reading here...frankie..You're a Douche !! Bassey is the wedding singer here not Karen ...Lord ..she swallows words and has absolutely Butchered the song that Karen made Perfect ..I have Always hated Bassey's over melodramatic god awful singing..I can't stomach her...but you are right about one thing..there isn't a voice like her , that is so damn bad ..Karen is the true vocalist and stylist .PuhLeez...LOL

[cammicty]

Shirley Bassey has so many different ways of singing ! She is an amazing singer! Karen also was, but they are two completely different types of singers. Bassey was &is known for her Show Tunes, and her Broadway voice which is what people wanted to hear then. Karen Came after BAssey had been on the scene doing her thing, which she sings wonderfully. She is a Power house! Karen was a Ballad singer, and you are ignorant and know nothing about music for even trying to compare! Don't bother to reply!

[Jenot59]

@PeaceFan1 I agree, Frankieheartsfool is sandering Karen Carpenter here.Karen woud have looked great in that shining back stunning outfit. She was very feminin actually.Just was wearing the wrong outfits mostly which is kind of sad.

BTW, Shirley and Karen should never be compared, their Voices and stye are totally different!

[12rosebud12]

The Carpenter's version can't be beat, but Shirley will always be my main girl!! A voice like no other, right you are, frankie-full-hearts.

[frankieheartsful]

A voice like no other.

[frankieheartsful]

Pure heaven!

[frankieheartsful]

I am torn between this rendition and that of Karen Carpenter. What a nice dilemma!

Kind of like choosing between Lil' Wayne and Snoop Dawg! YUCK!

[wildsurfer67]

BRAVO!! , Shes my mom's favorite!

[benzprairiiz]

i luv Shirley....sooo great!

[PhunkeyB3]

The dame has been at it again...... Bravo!

[priscillaofmanila]

I agree to disagree with you...that's the beauty of being a YouTuber. We can share our ideas, and opinons freely. For the record, Ms. Reddy's song isn't on YouTube because it doesn't belong with accomplished, talented singers.

[AUSSIECORNDOG]

i'm singing this as a jazz solo, it's so good

[priscillaofmanila]

Mind Blowing Fantastic!

[lazerus9]

Truly gifted, flawless and smooth as silk. I can feel the setting sun on my face, the sand between my toes and the waves whispering (shes gone).

[priscillaofmanila]

Shirley is such a Special Lady.

[smoothdude17325]

What I notice is the polished look and sound of performers in that era. They really made a presentation. A lot of practice went into those performances.

[paul51]

Nice version by Shirley . . . hot gown too.

[frankiehearts]

What a singing presence! Kinda reminds me of having sex with the greatest lover in the world. You know that you have really been fulfilled.

[priscillaofmanila]

Appreciate your mature comments. In addition, did you know that great singing is a reflection of a person's sex life? Scientifc research confirms it.

[jthomasbaseball]

i must say that Helen Reddy did the best version of this song, in my humble opinion. However, it is not on youtube.  Can anyone post it?

[frankiehearts]

A more dynamic performance than George Benson or Karen Carpenter.

She hits the high notes with tremendous clarity.

A style all her own.

[gramach]

What about Leon Russell. I think he did a cool version also

[hardcandy900]

This is the song that neither supposed to be dynamic, nor it requires all those high notes that she takes. It's the song of a woman who tries to seduce her man. Shirley Bassey definitely lacks the sensuality, allure, temptation and insinuative tones of Karen's voice.

[MightySaturn5]

yeah...I agree hard however shirley has a certain "rare" tone ...I'm sure she could have sang it more in the style you mention without too much trouble

[frankieheartsful]

Shirley Bassey makes Karen carpenter sound like a wedding singer!

[sugar240682]

yes. let's never have other artists sing someone else's songs. let a song only be sung once, with no other interpretations...

[grupocanela]

Es Shyrley Basey, fue famosa porque ha hecho las bandas sonoras de Filmes de James Bond, como DIAMONDNS ARE FOREVER, Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, y hasta Moon Raker. En Estados Unidos fue adorada practicamente a finales de los 60 y principios de los 70. Ha hecho varios shows para televisión y Vicky Karr ha cantado uno de sus temas más famosos, GRANDE, GRANDE GRANDE, que en Inglés es Diferente NEVER NEVER NEVER

[osajasimonis]

y esta quien es y a quien le gano? quien la conoce? sound very good i like this girl

[dfebra]

not sure I like this version

[MANILABOY6631]

Check the Sergio Mendez version . .

[yeow0040]

I think Shirley did a great job in improvisation. She's a very natural performer. No point comparing and not fair to compare to Karen as their approach to the song is different in the first place.

[hardcandy900]

And what are their approaches? Can you explain?

[Jenot59]

I love Shirley Bassey, love the way she acts and sings. She, like Karen Carpenters also sings from the HEART and Soul! Would have been great to have seen them perform together.

Just love her as a singer just like I do Karen

[Kateyhall]

I love this version also!

[Veggieplatter]

Sounded nice, she brought a different type of "elegance" to the song!

[anchisefr]

She ruined that song

[priscillaofmanila]

You comment is a bit harsh. For the record, Dame Shirley could never 'ruin' any song.

[carolspc]

Our Shirl!

[alanricardocito]

I just dont like it, Karen Carpenter is better singing this beauthifull song, sorry but for me its a very bad version.

[priscillaofmanila]

The word is different not 'better.' Shirley has never sung a bad version of any song in her entire life. Being in showbiz for over 50 years...her international, warm appeal speaks for itself. You have the right to excpress your opinions but I urge you to think before you speak when it comes to our Diamond Dame Shirley. Express your negative energy/emotions else where. Thanks.

[kboyzrock]

Big voice, pretty woman, I remember her singing the theme for James Bond film, I think it was Goldfinger.

[c00lwatter]

Yes.

[tresero2862]

It is different, the groove is jazz, not bossa. Karen's is great, this is also awesome, but I have to agree that the feel is lost at this tempo.

[steveharrisIR]

La canta mejor Karen Carpenter, esta version a mi en lo personal no me pasa

[sandramaldives]

Great voice, great woman, great music ...

[Odara2007]

Excelente cantante..que glamour y que felicidad tiene al cantar.Gracias por postar este material y traernos la belleza de la cancion transmitida en esta dama.

[esprit61]

De nada y disfrutalo!

[Majabcd]

Well...This is the Song, with big S...;-)

[Telcontar9]

Wow that shit was fucking glamour!

She owned that song!

[pink75panther]

I LOVE THIS SONG!

[malafemmena1]

OMG. Now I know who that chick from SNL patterns herself after when she's singing...shirley bassey!

[aprilhlam]

i sang this songg with my jazz choir. it was greattt :)

[sussie5]

love this song it's beautiful and peaceful she looks wonderful i love shirley

[ronieweiss]

I'm curious where was the location of this performance. I like a different Shirley here a bit easy and calm. It shows she can really vary and control her projection,such versatile singer!!!