FROM AMY TO ZAPPA – I’m Waiting For Valerie

This is a silly subject for a blog post: songs named “Valerie” (including alternate spellings). I was inspired a few weeks ago after hearing one of them at the gym, and then another one on my MP3 player during my commute later that day. A few more “Valeries” immediately popped into my head and I wanted to find out if others enjoy them as much as I do. After a brief internet search I was reminded of two more that I had forgotten about. Although I don’t like them as much as the others, they’re noteworthy enough to include here. Consider this an informal poll. Please let me know how many of these songs you like and if there are any others I’ve overlooked.

The Monkees – “Valleri” (1968)
(Great chorus & killer lead guitar)

Richard Thompson – “Valerie” (1986)
(I couldn’t find the original version online but this is an excellent substitute)

Marshall Crenshaw – “Valerie” (1989)

(Crenshaw’s cover of Richard Thompson’s original was my introduction to the song since I didn’t become a Thompson fan until a few years later)

Steve Winwood – “Valerie” (1982)
(An early ’80s classic)

The Zutons – “Valerie” (2006)
(Liverpool’s The Zutons were a personal favorite during their brief 3-album career from 2004 to 2008. They were huge in England but never made a dent here in the U.S.  This song had a second life as you’ll see below)

Mark Ronson Featuring Amy Winehouse – “Valerie” (2007)
(A completely reworked version of The Zutons track. I still prefer the original but it’s hard to deny the infectious groove on this one)

Patti Scialfa – “Valerie” (1993)
(I didn’t initially like the debut solo album by Mrs. Bruce Springsteen, but when I fell in love with her sophomore record a decade later I came back around to its predecessor and found a lot to enjoy…including this song)

Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention – “Valarie” (1970)
(This cover of an old doo-wop song is probably one of Zappa’s most straightforward & accessible recordings)

If none of these songs do anything for you, perhaps you prefer one of these Valeries:

Valerie Bertinelli – Actress & former Mrs. Eddie Van Halen

Valerie Harper – TV’s “Rhoda” (among many other roles)

 

Valerie Perrine – actress best known to my generation as Miss Teschmacher from 1978’s “Superman”

Ross Valory – longtime bassist for Journey