For once this is a post that is not about voice overs but is still about a voice – and a surprising one at that.

I’ve not really been a huge fan of singer Billy Bragg but I’m certainly aware of his music and it would seem somewhere along the way I must have started to follow him on social media. This week a post by him popped up on my FB feed and the content so surprised me that I decided to share is further.

The post is a video clip from 1988 when Billy was on a late night show on Channel 4. He was given free rein to play whatever he wanted and so in this clip – at the instigation of piano accompanist Cara Tivey  – they play a version of The Carpenters – Close to You.

Even if you are not a fan of Billy Bragg you will probably be familiar with vocal sound of the self styled Bard of Barking – a slightly nasal fairly harsh and strident sound. So this track is a revelation. I can’t exactly say its a thing of beauty but it is certainly worth a play.

There is a bit of chat and then Billy starts singing at around 40 secs.

Chris Radley – Voice Over