I think a lot of people would be freaked out when they realize the original Dream Academy version was produced by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. The whole album was incredible. A nice job by Sugarland pulling this off.
if you dont like this then you have no reason to listen to music,sugerland has a beautiful voice,all the little big town singers are just amazing and jake owens is great!!!
This song reminds me of such better times when I was young! It takes me back to a time when things were simple and life was so sweet. The wonders of childhood and home comes into my thoughts as I listen to this. It makes me almost feel like I am back home and a kid again, with no pressures and life was good. Homesick, yeah, homesick, that is me. I love this and these guys are the best! Oh, if only we could go back in time, but one can never go home again! Bitter Sweet!
I don't dislike the song. The song itself, done by Dream Academy, was beautiful. This version is crap. The only thing that would have made it worse is if they had had Luke Bryan sing it. It should never have been sung with a country twang. Some songs should never be remade. This is one of them.
one of my favorite songs of all time and these guys just made it even more special when i was a teenager this song (and a few others) got me through some tough times way to go, great preformance
I think their harmony was at least as good as the original. Now that's some AWESOME vocals there! I'm a HUGE fan of Sugarland, and now I'm a fan of Little Big Town, too. They did a GREAT job on this remake. This live version is also on Sugarlands "Love On The Inside" CD. Jennifer Nettles is FANTASTIC!!
they all sound good together...little big town has always been my favorite band and along with the voices of sugarland and jake owen...i wud kill to see these guys all in concert together!!!!
This version works for me. I think Sugarland and company did a good job on this cover of The Dream Academy's Life in a northern town. Some people just get stuck on the original version and can't see (or hear) anyone else doing the song.
This song is actually written as a tribute to Nick Drake, one of the greatest songwriters of all time. I wonder if any of the members of sugarland or little big town realize this?
I like this! I love the original (I would, it's from my time) but this is a sympathetic remake. The downtempo feel, the use of different vocalists for different parts is nice, and the vocal harmonies are really nice too. Very good!
Well spoken LasVegasJim. This (the DA version) was one of the first 45's (yep, I'm 40!) that I ever bought. Along with some other greats such as "Da Da Da" and "It's Raining Again". Somehow this is the only single I wish I could still listen to repeatedly. To find this absolutely brilliant remake has made my night. The only thing missing is the big tympani (sp?) run up to the final chorus. I assume that wasn't country enough...
@bjiintx I am sorry if I sounded like an effete prick. The DA also performed this LIVE on SNL on 12.21.1985. They are skilled musicians, not simply studio geeks. Many folks have covered Elvis, James Brown, Sinatra, etc. I respect Sugarland as a 21st Century Southern USA band. The DA is the real deal who told of 1980’s Northern UK. That’s all. Both bands speak to their understanding of their times. Best wishes.
@CHRISTIANCOUNTRYGAL this Song was originally Done by a Group called Sound Academy. This is by far a better rendition of the song, although I am very particular to Choosing the original of songs, this one got me
@MomToLabs I respectfully appreciate your comment. My point is that a USA-southern-focused group could certainly duplicate the technical sound, but not the genuine soul of this 1980's UK song. The Dream Academy did not "know" 1963 USA John F. Kennedy or the Beatles. True. It is similar to Billy Joel doing a cover of Ray Charles. Dream Academy was original. Please... Sugarland, Little Big Town, Jack Owen, et.al. be original to whom you are. LOL and very best wishes.
To today's young SugarLand crowd, you probably think this is a good song--and it is well done--but to those who remember hearing it on the radio in the 80's by The Dream Academy, it can't compare to the strong memories the original conjures.
Isn't it considered COMPLIMENTARY when a band does a cover of someone else's song? I always thought so. After hearing this video, I went and found the original by Dream Academy and it's wonderful. There seems to be a certain amount of 'America bashing' whenever an American band does a remake of a Brittish song. IMHO, this video is an excellent tribute to the original and it looked like everyone had a BLAST during rehearsals. I can't wait to hear Sugarland play this one on tour this summer.
Does anyone know if they ever recorded this in a studio? I love the song and think they did a good job with it, but i HATE listening to music recorded in front of an audience..
It's a decent version of the song I'll give it that but it's missing something without the timpani and the oboe. That's what gives it the iconic sound that chills you down the spine. Plus, it's not really a song meant for the steal guitar. The original is so haunting about the deep freeze in the UK back in 1963 and the innocent hope the world had with icons like the Beatles and JFK.
Ummm no offense but Sugarland is from Georgia and yes they have gotten some snow.............But WTF would they know about life in a northern town! Shoveling Ice,snow,ice,snow..........3 days a darn week?
Not bad at all......... nothing like the studio version done by DA but still very good for live........ if they didnt redo vox which they prob did. Points for doing the song though.
I can't help but laugh at you guys.. "Did it first, did it better..." and "butchering rock songs." I've been around a long time and have listened to a lot of music over the years. New generations and different genres adapt the great songs to their feel and message. I loved the original Dream Academy song, and this one is just as good - different and perfect in its own way.
Thank god for you tube. It means I can immediately cleanse my memory of this horrific cover by listening to the original, I mean they're singing in american accents about life in a british northern town, didn't they get ANYTHING about the meaning behind the song ?!? argh.
Why can't country music artists refrain from butchering rock songs? Oh I forgot, they have no choice since they aren't talented enough to come up with their own songs.
Sadly, this cover has none of the genuine clarity and soul of the Dream Academy. I doubt if any of them were even alive in "the winter of 1963." They have no gut understanding of 1985 in Northern UK. The real deal is when musicians draw upon their own times and life experiences. My humble advice to Sugarland and Little Big Town is to "take it easy on yourself" and get real with yourself.
Sorry, but this version is garbage -- It lacks all the finesse and little touches of character in the Dream Academy's original recording from almost 30 years ago, which I remember. The vocals are all wrong -- no ebb and flow, and I CAN'T STAND Jennifer Nettles. Perfect example of what crap commercial country-pop can do to good music. MoobieNews may have been a little crude in his comment, but the sentiment is spot on.
I was a teenager when this song first came out. It was a perfect song. They all did this song justice. Just beautiful.
I think a lot of people would be freaked out when they realize the original Dream Academy version was produced by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. The whole album was incredible. A nice job by Sugarland pulling this off.
if you dont like this then you have no reason to listen to music,sugerland has a beautiful voice,all the little big town singers are just amazing and jake owens is great!!!
This song reminds me of such better times when I was young! It takes me back to a time when things were simple and life was so sweet. The wonders of childhood and home comes into my thoughts as I listen to this. It makes me almost feel like I am back home and a kid again, with no pressures and life was good. Homesick, yeah, homesick, that is me. I love this and these guys are the best! Oh, if only we could go back in time, but one can never go home again! Bitter Sweet!
The best remake ever. It still brings tears to my eyes.
How can you dislike a beautiful song like this, so well written and performed
I don't dislike the song. The song itself, done by Dream Academy, was beautiful. This version is crap. The only thing that would have made it worse is if they had had Luke Bryan sing it. It should never have been sung with a country twang.
Some songs should never be remade. This is one of them.
one of my favorite songs of all time and these guys just made it even more special
when i was a teenager this song (and a few others) got me through some tough times
way to go, great preformance
Great singer's 😢
I think their harmony was at least as good as the original. Now that's some AWESOME vocals there! I'm a HUGE fan of Sugarland, and now I'm a fan of Little Big Town, too. They did a GREAT job on this remake. This live version is also on Sugarlands "Love On The Inside" CD. Jennifer Nettles is FANTASTIC!!
❤Absolutely love this song! A mesh of ultra-talented musicians ❤️
This sound makes life worth living, thank you!
That song is such a huge part of my life. Makes me tear up a bit everytime:)
A great version of this great song, it is sung beautifully.
I grew up in Georgia the first time I heard this I was spending a month in Indiana it just fit the time and takes me back to that when I hear it
they all sound good together...little big town has always been my favorite band and along with the voices of sugarland and jake owen...i wud kill to see these guys all in concert together!!!!
I love them so much. I think they could have sang the phone book. I would love that two.
@imhomike I agree. They did a nice rendition of this song.
this song is sooo beautiful
I go to Northern town, I love this song so much(:
My mother LOVES this song
This version works for me. I think Sugarland and company did a good job on this cover of The Dream Academy's Life in a northern town. Some people just get stuck on the original version and can't see (or hear) anyone else doing the song.
Anybody still watching?
2024
Like both versions. Great music with great musicians, you can't go wrong. IMHO.
This is REAL music!
OMG!!!!! Take me back to 85!!!!!!! Please!!!!!!! Life then was such a happy time. So many emotions come rushing out when I hear this!!!!❤❤❤❤
This song is actually written as a tribute to Nick Drake, one of the greatest songwriters of all time. I wonder if any of the members of sugarland or little big town realize this?
I like this! I love the original (I would, it's from my time) but this is a sympathetic remake. The downtempo feel, the use of different vocalists for different parts is nice, and the vocal harmonies are really nice too. Very good!
They are awesome at singing this song and I love THE SONG!
love the harmony
Amazing song!!!
now what i think is that sugarland and Little Big Town should do more songs together!
Well spoken LasVegasJim. This (the DA version) was one of the first 45's (yep, I'm 40!) that I ever bought. Along with some other greats such as "Da Da Da" and "It's Raining Again". Somehow this is the only single I wish I could still listen to repeatedly. To find this absolutely brilliant remake has made my night. The only thing missing is the big tympani (sp?) run up to the final chorus. I assume that wasn't country enough...
October 2024 still loving this song
I worked back stage when they were in Dayton,Ohio they were very nice to meet and talk with I hope to meet them again some day
I love this song and the video
This song was originally performed by dream academy in the early eighties and it just about life growing up in a northern town in the 50s and 60s.
@Msjessbcuz10 The original song was written by the Dream Academy, a band from the UK. This song is about growing up in Northern England.
2024 anyone? ❤
Still my favorite video in all of UA-cam.
@bjiintx I am sorry if I sounded like an effete prick. The DA also performed this LIVE on SNL on 12.21.1985. They are skilled musicians, not simply studio geeks. Many folks have covered Elvis, James Brown, Sinatra, etc. I respect Sugarland as a 21st Century Southern USA band. The DA is the real deal who told of 1980’s Northern UK. That’s all. Both bands speak to their understanding of their times. Best wishes.
da best song ever
@CHRISTIANCOUNTRYGAL this Song was originally Done by a Group called Sound Academy. This is by far a better rendition of the song, although I am very particular to Choosing the original of songs, this one got me
@MomToLabs I respectfully appreciate your comment. My point is that a USA-southern-focused group could certainly duplicate the technical sound, but not the genuine soul of this 1980's UK song. The Dream Academy did not "know" 1963 USA John F. Kennedy or the Beatles. True. It is similar to Billy Joel doing a cover of Ray Charles. Dream Academy was original. Please... Sugarland, Little Big Town, Jack Owen, et.al. be original to whom you are. LOL and very best wishes.
@CHRISTIANCOUNTRYGAL Dream Academy wrote this as a tribute to the English singer-songwriter Nick Drake, back in 1985.
To today's young SugarLand crowd, you probably think this is a good song--and it is well done--but to those who remember hearing it on the radio in the 80's by The Dream Academy, it can't compare to the strong memories the original conjures.
Learning to shag dance to this song for competition. Never danced for competition before. Wish us luck. Especially me
Well done 👏👏
As much as Jennifer Nettles voice gets on my Nerves this really is a good cover.
this song was written for and about nick drake by a group in the 80s called the dream academy
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
thanks for postin
@TheElwoodBluez why am i not surprised about the David Gilmour thing?
AMAZING!
Isn't it considered COMPLIMENTARY when a band does a cover of someone else's song? I always thought so. After hearing this video, I went and found the original by Dream Academy and it's wonderful. There seems to be a certain amount of 'America bashing' whenever an American band does a remake of a Brittish song. IMHO, this video is an excellent tribute to the original and it looked like everyone had a BLAST during rehearsals. I can't wait to hear Sugarland play this one on tour this summer.
life in the sixties the best!
Does anyone know if they ever recorded this in a studio? I love the song and think they did a good job with it, but i HATE listening to music recorded in front of an audience..
Anyone else feeling the intense irony of a song called "Life in A Northern Town" being sung in deep Southern accents?
Obviously not .But I am here 12 years later lol
@jennie11041992 okay, thanks everybody!! :)
They honored the shit out of this song. Really lovely and great job.
Soooooooo Greattttttt⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶🌈🌈🌈👁️👁️👁️💁💁💁😘🍀
@hugsxox91 sure i know who they are...i just couldn't really follow the story in the song
@mjproductionsinc2008 thanks!
So, who or what are they talking about? Always wanted to know...
It's a decent version of the song I'll give it that but it's missing something without the timpani and the oboe. That's what gives it the iconic sound that chills you down the spine. Plus, it's not really a song meant for the steal guitar. The original is so haunting about the deep freeze in the UK back in 1963 and the innocent hope the world had with icons like the Beatles and JFK.
@jennie11041992 Of an ABBA song I believe
i'm a little lost here; should i know who they're talking about in the song? isn't this supposed to be like a remake or something?
The song is about Nick Drake...British singer/songwriter, guitarist... committed suicide in his 20's I believe.
I know it's a tribute to Nick but Tamworth-In-Arden is hardly northern.
Jake Owen is such a babe ;D
They forgot to mention Jake Owen in the title.
@doodly2BetterThanEvr Because you know that David Gilmour is a "God" in the music business.
You realise Jake Owen is in here too eh?
@maxandjade your mother has good taste
@CHRISTIANCOUNTRYGAL its a remake
Ummm no offense but Sugarland is from Georgia and yes they have gotten some snow.............But WTF would they know about life in a northern town! Shoveling Ice,snow,ice,snow..........3 days a darn week?
Not bad at all......... nothing like the studio version done by DA but still very good for live........ if they didnt redo vox which they prob did. Points for doing the song though.
9 people hate the simple times
Could be in the Southern Hemisphere, where the accents are reversed....
I can't help but laugh at you guys.. "Did it first, did it better..." and "butchering rock songs." I've been around a long time and have listened to a lot of music over the years. New generations and different genres adapt the great songs to their feel and message. I loved the original Dream Academy song, and this one is just as good - different and perfect in its own way.
Thank god for you tube. It means I can immediately cleanse my memory of this horrific cover by listening to the original, I mean they're singing in american accents about life in a british northern town, didn't they get ANYTHING about the meaning behind the song ?!? argh.
@nanapolly65 Dream Academy
..
i love Sugarland, but dear God in heaven, this is terrible.
American accents in a "Northern town" ?? Doesn't do it for me, The lyrics pertain only to a Northern England life and history.
Why can't country music artists refrain from butchering rock songs? Oh I forgot, they have no choice since they aren't talented enough to come up with their own songs.
@Straitsfan u wouldnt know good music if it slapped u in the face
Yeah, I agree. This song just doesn't fit with country very well.
Sadly, this cover has none of the genuine clarity and soul of the Dream Academy. I doubt if any of them were even alive in "the winter of 1963." They have no gut understanding of 1985 in Northern UK. The real deal is when musicians draw upon their own times and life experiences. My humble advice to Sugarland and Little Big Town is to "take it easy on yourself" and get real with yourself.
@JBertolozzi I'd rather hear the original personally. Not a good cover at all.
Sorry, but this version is garbage -- It lacks all the finesse and little touches of character in the Dream Academy's original recording from almost 30 years ago, which I remember. The vocals are all wrong -- no ebb and flow, and I CAN'T STAND Jennifer Nettles.
Perfect example of what crap commercial country-pop can do to good music. MoobieNews may have been a little crude in his comment, but the sentiment is spot on.
What a hatchet job of a great song. Stick to singing about pick up trucks and blue collar jobs you never had.