1955 Eddie Calvert: Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)

Having two versions of the same song vying for the number one spot is curious enough, but two versions of the same instrumental? Particularly two versions that are almost indistinguishable on a blind taste test? How very odd. You'd think that having such a choice would split the vote so that neither did all that well, but in light of the sales figures then the only conclusion is that some people were buying both. As I say, how very odd.

So what does Eddie bring to the table that Perez didn't? Truth be told, not a lot. The recurring trumpet riff is less lusty and more restrained in Calvert's hands, petering away into the ether instead of following Prado's template of a gutsy blowout. On the other hand, Calvert's take has less of the swagger of Prado's and lets the tune speak up for itself instead of winking in a saucy burlesque that almost parodies the culture it's meant to be representing. Mix them both together and you may end up with a perfect take that pleases everybody. As it stands, Prado's Mambo chops give his version the edge, but Calvert doesn't disgrace himself either so maybe the folks back in 1955 somehow felt obliged to buy both to ensure they weren't missing out on anything, paying their monies without making their choices so to speak.