2 February 1989
At the time, I knew neither Marc Almond, Gene Pitney, this song, nor why this record got to number one in Ireland and the UK. To my child brain it sounded suspiciously like yet another slow romantic ballad squatting at the top of what I had believed were meant to be pop charts showcasing catchiness, excitement and fun. I know better now.
Pitney and Almond are both cabaret singers, after a fashion – Pitney’s type of cabaret being in Las Vegas and Almond’s in Soho, though their actual voices suggest it should be the other way round. So, on a bed of lush orchestration, Almond’s soaring, pleading theatrics and Pitney’s nasal, tacky melodrama go together surprisingly well. The two men are clearly enjoying themselves – even in the video (below) and on their TV appearances they both have wry smiles and both put a cabaret trouper’s relish into the stagey “You! You! YOU!” As to why this duet topped the charts, both men are likeable performers who each had their fanbase, but I suspect the floating voter bought ‘Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart’ because in its own way it’s a bit of cheesy, twinkly-eyed fun.
