Added: 3 years ago
From: FreeTheRocks
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  • I saw the comments about Shorrock, the real singer of Little River Band, as I found out. Shorrock's singing and voice are so much better than this guy. No disrespect to uploader, great to get this song out there. I just think this guy is trying way to hard and singing as though each line is fraught with meaning, when it's really just a pleasant song.

  • I used to love this Farnham version, but as I get older and my taste in music changes, I'm finding this a bit overwrought. I think I like Glenn's vocal better.

  • Happy New Year everybody. I hope you have a "Cool Change."

  • This song has always moved me. And this is such a powerful performance - by the whole band. And, like every commenter here, I'm just gonna speculate (quite wildly) that even Glenn would agree ... John sings this the way it was meant to be sung. (and so did Glenn!!) ♥

  • I think God had a special place for Little River's song "Cool Change" in his heart, I know its in mine also. What a big blessing. This song also helps me breathe the air. Thanks for helping me live and change Little River.

  • @searchingagoldheart Very well spoken "searchingagoldheart." It is a very special song and brings back so many wonderful memories. :)

  • "Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works." "A city on a hill can not be hid." Good work! Job well done! :) Thank you kindly! :) Your a blessing Little River Band - Cool Change. God has blessed you richly.

  • great tune

  • Whats that have to do with passing gas in an elevator?

  • seen them aound this time somewhere in oregon they were most excelent not sure who was singing was pretty stoned at the time

  • I have a question: With what's happening in The Music Industry these days, Would a band like The Little River Band get a recording contract? It's like in The late 80's- Early 90's, The music industry started imploding on itself. It's like you don't hear music of this quality anymore. To me, that sucks! What do y'all think?

  • What a set of pipes! Phenomonal. Love this song.

  • It's like if Jimi hendrix quit the band and Clapton filled in-seems to me it's all good...

  • Johns voice is unbelievable! He gives the song an "arena rock" feel and I love it. I enjoy Glenns version as well, but John adds an amazing power to it. That said, Glenn provided a more personal folky feel to his songs. I like both and just enjoy the band. I just bought a cd with their hits played live in concert at Walmart. Great CD and shows the true talent of the band. You just dont see bands like this today.

  • This is by far the BEST rendition I have EVER heard!!!

  • John and Glen are both good singers... 

  • This is impressive.

  • First if all, let's give credit to Shorrock and Farnham for being very talented and gifted Vocalists. I had the chance to see LRB at the Los Angeles Universal Amphitheater with Farnham up front. His voice was so incredibly strong it sounded like he really needed no mike. One of the strongest vocals I ever heard.

  • Please somebody just let him breathe the air.

    

  • Oh my god you guys are idiots!!! Just listen to the music and enjoy it. Stop trying to make your subjective point of view everyones objective one. @freetherocks your a nazi!

  • @kledwick1 You do know that the Nazis were...and still are "right wing nutjobs" don't you?

  • I just listened to Glenn Shorrocks version and it sounded like karoake night on the Love Boat. I give John credit for bringing this song to life.

  • no one sings it so good as "Glen Shorrock"

  • It is funny reading these comments, I am a Retired Sound/Recording Engineer from Sony of Nashville, and you people talk so bad, like you are in the industry and know it all, some people just like music and I would think you would keep your bad comments to yourself ! Let them enjoy it, and say what they like !

  • Wow! make me wish I could sing like him.

  • How's this for a compromise? I'm going to say only John Farnham could possibly have filled his predecessors enormous boots and at least Glenn get's a healthy royalty cheque every year if at least somebody is singing his masterpiece somewhere.

    I heard him tell the story once that he wrote the song with a view that Joe Cocker might record it so if Glenn's OK with somebody else singing cool change maybe we can let it slide too?

  • @BrenGee1 You should see Shorrock's Joe Cocker imitation....it's awesome....seriously...:):)

  • @Axarno123 Nope...and I only smack down people who should be commenting on OTHER videos since they are talking about OTHER singers.

  • WHAT A VOICE!!!!

  • Cool it. Cut out the bs. If you don't like it don't listen to it. Simple . as you must be.

  • Probably best vocals ever i'n this song along with when the war is over now I've been watching Farnham since 86 I was 9 saw my first show at australias wonderland i'n sydneys west then state theatre been to every tour since and can't wait for the 25th anniversary tour of whispering jack gonna be that kid down the front if stage trying to shake his hand haha

  • @FreeTheRocks I can't believe what a sorry excuse for a human being you are. I doubt that I've ever been to a video where the uploader took so much joy in attempting to denigrate anyone who didn't have the same opinion as him. So shit for brains, why not just let people post their opinions without so much hostility? Oh, I know, it's the internet, and you can't get the living shit beat out of you when you're hidden behind a name. I'd love to cross paths some day to teach you a few manners.

  • @wb1 Oh great.....another American, Bible-belt redneck threatening to take a switch to me and "teach me a few manners"....too funny.

  • agree, John singing any song is such a delight. I always loved LRB but loved them even more when John joined the band, the harmonising was just outstanding. He is a very humble guy who just loves what he does and that always clearly shows when he is on stage then and now. can sell out a venue in record time, even in his 60's.

  • Farnham trumps Sharrock every time. Everywhere. Sorry fanboys.

  • he's doing a fine job and what else matter's.

  • Wow. They are both good due to the wonderful writing and individual execution of the song. Calm down people, choose which one you care to listen to, and just ENJOY!

    Life is way to short for this crap.

  • Well excuse me but I am 72 years old and come from a very musical family. My sister Mary had perfect pitch and I am very close to it. Now let me state, Glenn Shorrock was a very good singer BUT. NOBODY can sing like John Farnham!! Thats why they call him ' THE VOICE' !!! The best male singer on the Planet!!!

  • @prblack6 AGREED, such a gift he has!...Good call my friend

  • Free the Rocks, are you the administrator for the LRB or just a controlling guy who likes to insult. Doesn't matter what his biological age was -- the guy acted like a cutsie kid and I am entitled to my perspective and opinion.  Your comments are a red flag -- are you a controlling personality who doesn't like someone to voice an opinion that doesn't agree with yours? Free the Rocks -- doesn't matter what your biological age is -- that is a very immature trait you have there. Immature.

  • @winddancerclc Your exact words were "this is a cute kid"....now you are trying to backtrack(ie..LIE) your way out of your stupidity. No I'm not the administrator of the LRB but this is MY Youtube channel and ignorant, uneducated comments will NOT be tolerated. Bye bye shit-fer-brains.

  • @winddancerclc Arguably the greatest singer ever to come out of Australia and you criticize him for his looks? It is your comments, and not the OP's, that send up a big, red flag. You are either immature, jealous, or both, and obviously couldn't recognize talent if it were sitting on your face.

    @FreeTheRocks Thanks for uploading this excellent video. Clearly, the majority have indicated that they can perceive a brilliant singer when they hear one. My condolences to those who can't.

  • Free the Rocks. Gosh, thanks for caring enough to type a reply to me. I am really honored. He is a cute kid to me and that is my perspective. Last time I checked I lived in America. But, hey, that was a long time anyway -- so he is in his sixties now and not a cute kid anymore.......And, for admonishing me to think before I type next time. I think I divorced the abusive husband I had years ago and I think your comments are a red flag for controll and quite impolite, also.

  • @winddancerclc No shit-fer-brains....when two people are 5 years apart in age.....you stay 5 years apart in age no matter how old you get. Farnham was 5 years younger that Shorrock back in 1983....and guess what genius....TODAY he is still only 5 years younger than Shorrock.

  • I know it is easy to criticize a new vocalist but Glenn Shorrock had the more mature voice. This is a cute kid who had a lot of passion for his work but he could not equal the timber and the actual voice talent of Shorrock. John's voice did not come close to Glenn's and he needed the backup support of the rest of the band. The song was not nearly as good as with Glenn. The song sounds like an American Idol kid trying real hard to be as good as Glenn but not coming close. Not even close.

  • @winddancerclc This "cute kid" is only 5 years younger than Shorrock, 2 years younger than Goble, 1 year younger than Beeb Birtles....and he is still not the youngest guy on the stage. Think before you type next time.

  • @winddancerclc Agreed. LRB was not the same without Shorrock. I liked Farnham, but Shorrock had the more mature, and refined vocals in my opinion. Free The Rocks is a Farnham fanboy, and that's just fine, but for a 45 year old to start slinging names is beyond me. Why FreeTheRocks is so insistent on constantly repeating that Farnham was only 5 years younger than Shorrock is also a mystery to me.

  • yawa a ug suwang uy!!!

  • NO COMPARISON....i'M THE SAME WAY!!! Farnums version is fabulous. And yes it is a different song............and a better one. Brought me to tears the first time I heard it, which was live!!! Awesome. LRB was the greatest vocal band of all time. Wehn I saw them in concert, their encore song was 5 minutes long, vocal harmony only and was breath taking. The crowd stood perfectly still, in awe of what they were seeing.

  • Any time you have a replacement singer, it's easy to criticize. I think this guy has a nice voice, but I'm not sure I understand why they decided to re-arrange the vocal melody so much. It's like we're hearing a different song (maybe something done for American Idol). Again, not taking anything away from this guys abilities. If this improved the original melody, it could make sense. I think this just highlights that it's not the original singer. Still, they are a great band regardless.

  • too high not from the heart ........ sounds like jammie redfen on hellium

  • too high not from the heart

  • so beautiful and so fucked - come on, histrionics, though fascinating, are the death of real music

  • I know that my life is so pre-arranged

    I know that it's time for a cool change

    I've never been romantic

    And sometimes I don't care

    I know it may sound selfish

    But let me breathe the air

  • Cad Jack, he was already one of Australia's top singers!!! Interesting he's singing this in C, Glenn was in A. John had an incredible range. Both versions amazing. One of Australia's Top 20 All Time Best Rock Songs surely...

  • NIce song,so refreshing.Love the song,

  • I guess 8 people do not want a cool change

  • This guy blows away the original singer

  • @tow4dough.....Glenn's version is SO much better!

  • @allang1968 What's it like not knowing your ass from a hole in the ground?

  • @FreeTheRocks

    You tell us?

  • @allang1968 No offence, but it's easy to see why GS got replaced...

  • I love his voice. WOW!! Powerful

  • Wow. I love the original, but what a voice on this guy!

  • ..Just found out that the singer is John Farnham....wowwwww....wish he came to Canada!!!!!

  • I was homeless the last year and the sea is the landscape and the cows and the cheeps where my brother and now i work in a supermarked and have a room and i do not accept that my life is so prearranged. I cried every time i sing this song. I have bought a little old caravan and have found a place alone in the landscape with the cows looking at me when i wake up in the morning. A cool change.

  • I did not grow up listening to these guys and have heard the different singers and how they differ respectfully.Any way you look at it they were all great.

  • Dudes should get a statue in Sidney Harbour. They effectively put aussies on the world map.

  • Doesn`t matter who was in the band L R B was the best,no one has come close to their style and quality of music, a one off band indeed...Thanks mate..

    Irish John....

  • I do like the original better, but that is just a opinion I think John's version is awesome too. All the guys are amazingly talented and a gift to the world. I grew up with LRB ans still think they are AWESOME!

  • awesome, never saw them when John was fronting (i'm a bit young), but did see them in 93 with Glenn Shorrock, they were awesome then too.

  • He's no Shorrock...

  • I love both versions. But this was absolutely moving- spiritual even! Thanks so much for posting it.

  • These guys know how to write some really great music. I always have enjoyed their guitar work.

  • I always thnk of my long ago love-Neil. This was his favorite song. RIP Neil-you are missed

  • @deltafour1212 Congratulations....you don't even know the original singer's name or when this was recorded....and you are a moron.

  • @FreeTheRocks or how to spell congratulations.

  • @FreeTheRocks Glenn Shorrock!!!!!! 

  • @deltafour1212 Congratulations.... "Seriously", dude...  this is one of the best live singing performances you will ever hear

  • @deltafour1212 i think the word you are after is "congratulations".

    now that your cred is gone, go outside and play and let the adults listen to the men playing music.

  • @deltafour1212  congratulations! you spelled congratulations wrong !

  • @deltafour1212

    Congratulations! You're an idiot.

  • fuck REM - fuck U2 - LRB IS THE SHIT !!

  • @woodstalk1960 and LRB never had to get political to get legions of fans! Not 1 protest song on any album.

  • This one is fucking EPIC!

    There is no such thing as oversinging when it comes to this song. They could make a fortune if they would sell it on DVD. This is the ultimate version! Sorry Glen: But John made an epic performance here. This one is the future soundtrack to a million of Australian tourists...

  • interesting verson from John.

  • i would say bon scott is australia s most popular vocalist

  • @christophertorrey IMHO When Bon died so did AC/DC... He was a true R&R legend.

    But Farnham's success & popularity is unmached in Aust.

    Whispering Jack was #1 for 6 months straight.

  • @FreeTheRocks

    You are the moron M8-get past 1974.

  • @Yorkazuna Umm...my comment....the one you are replying to...was SARCASM.

  • Mr FreeTheRocks, mate I love all your comments, especially to all the people out there that have to run Mr Farnham down. Why is it, that when someone like John who is an absolute genius and a voice that is the master, and has given us so much joy and entertainment & let's face it excellent interpretations of other people's songs, has to be run down by people who can't see that each person has their own thing that they bring to a project. Shorrock did his own thing, & Farnham did his own thing.

  • Just to let you all know - Glenn prefers John's version. He actually said he wished he could have sung it as well.

  • but the cool change im thinking about is changing my lover moon for the burning Sun. Hmm Wow, see my life has changed and am able. and greatly blessed.

  • I never thought I would say this, but I think I like this version better then Glenn Shorrock's. I always loved the original by Glenn and just recently discovered John Farnham's version. What a beautiful voice. He sings with so much feeling and passion. Thanks for posting this FreeTheRocks!

  • @pearlady22

    I was recently in NC and the local radio station played a lot of the LRB. They played this song and it brought back many fond memories. 2 great versions and you can't go wrong with either version

  • it is a nice song and all but certainly not worth the rant that involves all the political and theological debate that I have seen here!

  • OMG this is the first time hearing John Farnham singing this song - although I think he doesn't have the nostalgia of the original singer doing this song.

  • I have heard so many criticize him for over singing. There is a reason so many pop singers don't "over sing". They can't. This guy is frickin amazing!

  • OMG THOSE HARMONIES ARE AWESOME...CAN NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED MY JOHN ANYWAYS....

  • OH MY GOD, THIS MAN HAS THE VOISE OF AN ANGEL WOW !!! WHAT A SET OF PIPES, MY OPINION , THE BEST VOICE EVER AGAIN WOW !!!

  • This is my favorite Little River Band song. This live version KNOCKS THE SOCKS off of the recording!! John Farnum has an amazing voice!

  • Man,think of the hours of practice these guys put in to nail harmonies like these.I just dont see many popular artists these days that are willing to put the effort into perfecting their craft like this.Its just cut it,Pro-tool it,package it and shit it out.I hope real music makes a comeback some day.

  • The harmonies are amazing on this song, no pre recorded songs, they are actually singing and they sound great

  • To Freetherocks. I suppose you are really a fan of John Farnham. I respect your opinion but I prefer Glenn Shorrock.

  • @peatropeter

    I agree with you.

    I think JF is the best male singer in the world

    But for this song I prefer Glen singing.

    But both are just fantastic

  • LRB - a great band with either Glen or John singing lead. The songs themselves shine, as do the harmonies and the incredible musicianship of all the band members. There's been quite a few great acts to come from "Down Under" but IMHO, LRB's the best of the lot. The total package - timeless songs (such as this), superb production & live performances that bring chills and joy to one's heart. 'nuf said. Thx FreeThe Rocks for posting this! Rock on!!

  • I miss the original singer though...but he's pretty good I guess ;-)

  • @BCraingirl what do mean you guess? i think john is better, he has more range. peace !

  • @gulonyotalaga I guess I'm just used to Glen singing (and he's pretty cute too, lol)

  • @BCraingirl Of course nothing beats the original recordings of the band with Glen which I also prefer, what I am trying to say is that singer-wise John is better than Glen because he has more range and his voice can easily adapt to different music genres specially rock if he wanted to. For me John is a very under-rated singer when in fact I consider him as one of the best male vocals ever.

  • Whatever., he's got a great interpretation of this song. It's he's emotion that delivers well. Thanks Free The Rocks. I've trying to discover the older version of this song and I found this one.

  • @rollypalo I agree, it's a different interpretation, and I've come to like it as much as I do the original. To me they are both different, and both good.

  • lrb and john farnham had the same manager, when glen left, farnham replaced him ,i think he can sing, listen to help,or burn for you by him,they both come across as good blokes, and both born in u.k

  • He was the one who sang "Please Don't Ask Me" and the revival of "Help"

  • I like this original one. I've been looking for this for along time., tnx!

  • John fills in well, thanks FreeThe Rocks for posting & your insight to band lineup & lyricists. If you ever want to hear oversinging & questionable interpretations try listening to the Star Spangled Banner at most sporting events :-(

  • I don't see how anyone can think this guy 'oversings' he as relaxed as can be, just making the song hos own!

  • @abama OMG get a earpiece !

  • Great fucking song!

  • This truly is an amazing song for John. But I believe that his vocals on We Two show off his voice much better!

  • Love it !!! :~)

  • It doesn't get better than this. No computer pitch tricks. Just awesome voices. Farnham should've been as big in the US as he was in Australia. I liked this song on the album but John's vocal makes it even better.

  • Farnhams vocal is fantastic. Great version of a classic song.

  • Oh my God! This is amazing! I have always loved this song but he just belts that out. There is so much music out there that is never heard or seen. Thank you youtube for this format.

  • I thought he sang it great, he looked like he was loving it the most! I liked watching him too. I have been playing and singing for over 35 years, I recognize feeling, he had it!

  • This Guy can SING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • John Farnham has a baby face!! How cute! I love all the members of LRB, whenever they chose to be in the band. But hey you are all entitled to your opinions.

  • Judge Roy Bean

    This guy is great singer I started listing to LRB 79 me and my wife had recorded them on beta and we would put it on each morning before work. Great way to start your day.

  • John rules..the best !!!!

  • This guy BLOWS SHORROCK OUT OF THE WATER. He has a vocal range that Shorrock can't touch.

  • What are you out of your minds?! There is nothing bad to say about Glenn, but this guy has an amazing voice and is an unbelievably talented entertainer.

  • one of my favorite music..thanks for uploading....

  • so love this song very very so much!!!amazing!!

  • One of the best songs....ever.

  • Ive listened to both versions. I like both of them. The both give me that "special feeling". Thanks for loading this up to you tube. I will listen to this many more times when the mood strikes me. As I listen to this song I wish I could be out on the water right now.

  • this song brings back memories , they sure don't make music like this any more

  • To all the fans a question...this is Glenn's backing vocalist? Why was he not singing lead here?

  • @CadJack Glenn Shorrock left LRB and was replaced by this guy(John Farnham) who later went on to be one of (if not THE) most popular recording artists in Australian history.

  • @FreeTheRocks It doesn't matter- he sucks as a singer for LRB.

  • @raremountainbear .....with 3 original members standing right there by his side playing the music for him to sing to...:):):)

  • @CadJack >>>>>>>Coz John Farnham is obviously better than him, the voice explains a lot dude

  • His voice gives me the hugest chills! I have always been a huge lrb fan and still am today!

  • awesome!

  • Oh my GOD!! That was great!

  • Helena, you, are missed. Jonathan

  • Holy smokes! That was some amazing vocals...

  • high school for me when I first heard this... Danville, CA... late 70's ..

    youtube is amazing..

  • Such an amazing voice....

  • just the the lyrics give me chills, something everyone could learn from' time for a cool change' something I think applies to people the world over

  • song reminds me of my deceased boyfriend and our times on the sailboat.......song still makes me smile and peaceful

  • LRB's coming here in two weeks!! I'm so excited!!! They remind me of that time in my life way back when... The harmonies in this version give me chills-- thanks for posting!!

  • @barismom525 how was the concert?

  • Amazing what an effect a band can have when they sing with total conviction. This is one of those times.  They just nailed this song, and you can see they enjoyed doing it. Beautiful harmony. Thanks for posting this.

  • John farnham man what a great singer awsome

  • I agree,  when they say he stretches his voice too much, I almost pissed my boxers !! John sings with the most feeling ever, he's another gift from our preciouse lord, thank you jesus for John farhnem ! This dude can whale !!!!!!!!!!

  • @lifeson241 that's "wail"...and I agree. ;)

  • @lifeson241 Why are all xtians semi-literate retards? Oh right, because you have to be a gullible idiot to believe in that jive in the first place. Learn to spell. Keep your delusional religious shite to yourself. Learn there is no god and try facing life head on if you have the stones for it.

  • @LeCutter

    Well said !!!

  • @LeCutter What's with the pissing on others' beliefs, asshole? We're enjoying some good music here. Let it be.

  • @tdelamont Blow me, moron. Some of us are here to enjoy some good music, and the rest of you are here - as usual - trying to foist your fucked up religious BS on the rest of us. Keep it to yourself, dumbass.

  • @LeCutter Wow, you just proved you're own point. YOU started with your semi-intellectual athiest rant. I called you out on it because this is not the forum for that. Then YOU accuse ME of a religious agenda? How does the phrase "let it be" have any religious connotations? I could have said "chill out", same difference. I was listening to a song about whales when, apropos of nothing, up pops your hateful invective. Sorry you have a religious chip on your shoulder, but that's on you, not LRB fans.

  • @lifeson241 I know what you mean, it's like saying Chuck Yeager shouldn't have flown fast enough to break the sound barrier. John is one hell of a powerful singer, and he sounds great "stretching" that voice of his.

  • @lifeson241 wail even!

  • JOhn is not trying too hard, he was a notebender and his style was oversinging, that is what makes him. he has nore singin talent than any band singer out there then, with exception of Steve Perry) they both knew how to sing.

  • there is no such thing as "oversinging"!!

    It is the message that counts ,,,when it comes to music,and especially; rock and roll!(and hilly billie rock) )these guys where one of the best ...This song was their moment in history!

  • "there is no such thing as "oversinging"!!"

    Oh really? Christina Aguilara is currently a very popular OVER singer. Watch and listen to her duet with Andrea Buccelli doing Somos Novio on Youtube and I think you'll agree that there indeed is such a thing as oversinging. She (and Yma Sumak) encapsulate the concept.

  • Comment removed

  • oh wow....

  • John will be 61 this year. And don't think for a minute that he has lost any of his spark, because his voice still sounds as good as ever. He hasn't lost a beat over the years.

  • Wow! very beautiful song! How old is he now?

    Greetings from NAHUM