12 Favorite Versions Of Songs By Paul Williams

My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a 12-song playlist around some theme. This week, Matt Wedge presents his mixtape highlighting his 12 favorite versions of songs written/co-written by one of his musical icons, Paul Williams.

It is hard to overstate the impact that Paul Williams has had on pop culture over the last half century as a singer, actor, raconteur, and honorary Muppet. But his largest impact has unquestionably come as a songwriter. Crafting hits (both by himself and with frequent collaborators Kenneth Ascher and Roger Nichols) for everyone from Carpenters to Three Dog Night to The Muppets, Williams was a songwriting machine in the ‘70s through the ‘80s. With an ear for a good hook and the ability to write sincere lyrics that capture a melancholy longing without becoming sappy, he is as talented as he is prolific.

In the last ten years, Williams has seen something of a career renaissance as both a songwriter and actor starting with the 2012 documentary PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE and a collaboration with Daft Punk. As a longtime fan of Williams, I’ve enjoyed seeing him get a well-earned victory lap. When I was invited to contribute to this terrific column, it seemed a good time to highlight my 12 favorite versions of songs written/co-written by one of my favorites.

Don’t look for some sort of logic to my choices or expect me to dig into deep cuts in an attempt to show off. This is strictly a list of songs and performances that hit me emotionally, the way the best music should (in my very humble opinion). Some of them are the most well-known versions, some are lesser known gems, and some are performed by Williams himself even though he almost exclusively wrote for other acts. But no matter who sings them, they all have the same magic touch.

1. “Rainbow Connection” by Willie Nelson

Let’s start off with possibly the best known and enduring of Williams’ songs. Co-written with Kenneth Ascher for Kermit the Frog to sing at the beginning of THE MUPPET MOVIE, Willie Nelson’s weathered voice is a perfect fit for the wistful lyrics. This stripped down version proves that sometimes the simplest approach is the best one.

2. “Riverbottom Nightmare Band” by Roxy Jones

And then there are songs that absolutely cannot be stripped down to a simple approach. Written for the Jim Henson holiday special EMMET OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS, this version of the song by smartass San Diego band Roxy Jones updates the KISS-esque anthem with a heavier sound while also keeping the elements of the song that make it recognizably written to be performed by a bunch of puppets. It’s a fine line that they walk but make it sound effortless.

3. “Goodbye Eddie, Goodbye” by The Juicy Fruits

It was very difficult for me not to just put the entire PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE soundtrack on here, but I didn’t want to be too repetitive. I love the tongue-in-cheek tone of this opening number performed by the fictional band The Juicy Fruits. While it’s a pitch-perfect send up of ‘60s teen pop death/suicide songs, it also is a legitimately great pop number brought to life by a backing band of studio musician greats and Archie Hahn’s tremendous vocals. Try to listen to this and not tap your toes and smile.

4. “Sad Song” by Paul Williams

One of the few songs that Williams (co-written with Kenneth Ascher) wrote for himself to perform first, “Sad Song” benefits from Williams’ voice. While he never had what you would call an outstanding vocal range, there is always sincerity to his delivery. Here, his voice feels like a warm hug as he sings an ode to the sad songs that make people feel better. Backed by a gospel choir, this one builds and builds until it absolutely soars.

5. “Let Me Be The One” by Carpenters

Just a perfect example of how to highlight Karen Carpenter’s stunning voice. Co-written with Roger Nichols, this is a short blast of sunny, feel-good ‘70s pop. Carpenters haters don’t know what they’re missing out on.

6. “Faust” by William Finley

The second song from PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE to make the list. I simply love William Finley’s vocal work here. He’s unpolished and vulnerable, but gives it everything, making the song and his character in the film feel deeper than they are as this dreamer sits at a piano and shoots his shot. A beautiful cinematic moment that translates with just as much emotion even without Brian De Palma’s visual virtuosity.

7. “Rainy Days And Mondays” by Paul Williams

Most famously covered by Carpenters, Williams’ version (co-written with Roger Nichols) lacks their ultra-polished arrangement, highlighting the plaintive lyrics that are a great fit for Williams’ more subdued, but just as expressive voice.

8. “Movin’ Right Along” by Kermit The Frog & Fozzie Bear

Some songs are perfect when sung by Muppets. Such is the case with this witty toe-tapper (co-written with Kenneth Ascher) from THE MUPPET MOVIE. I’ve heard too many bands try to cover this one and they never capture the joy of the original version.

9. “An Old Fashioned Love Song” by Three Dog Night

Speaking of toe-tapping and capturing joy, no one else has managed to eclipse this all-timer version by Three Dog Night. Sure, it’s an obvious selection, but have you listened to this lately? If not, get reacquainted with this three and a half minutes of harmonic bliss as it just consistently builds to its sing along crescendo.

10. “Traveling Boy” by Art Garfunkel

I’m too old to worry about trying to sound cool anymore, so here goes: I like quite a bit of Art Garfunkel’s solo work. This one gets a little over-produced with the orchestration, but Garfunkel’s voice is a great vessel for Williams’ and Roger Nichols’ most melodramatic song and I have to admit that the closing guitar solo does raise goosebumps.

11. “Old Souls” by Jessica Harper

The final song here from PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE on this list is a simple “star-crossed lovers” ballad that Jessica Harper knocks out of the park. With a restrained orchestral backing, Harper steps up and tells a tragic love story packed with feeling in less than three minutes. Probably Williams’ simplest song for the film, but combined with Harper’s performance, it becomes a showstopper.

12. “Still Alive” by Paul Williams

Like most people, I have mixed feelings when it comes to the 2012 documentary PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE and some of the tactics used by the film’s director Stephen Kessler. That said, the parts of the film that celebrated Williams’ career and work as he reflected on a personal life of ups and downs are excellent. Even better, those moments in the film add up to a new Williams tune about looking back, letting go of regret, and being thankful for the good times and what you have. It’s a sweet, quietly done song and age has made Williams sound startling similar to Willie Nelson. It makes sense to end this mixtape much the same way it started: with a melancholy but hopeful singer-songwriter doing what he does best.

(Please Note: “Still Alive" version by Paul Williams is not available on Spotify, so there’s a cover on that playlist. But the Williams’ version performing “Still Alive” is available in the YouTube playlist.)

YouTube playlist for Matt Wedge’s “12 Favorite Versions Of Songs By Paul Williams”