This week’s tune is pure D melodrama as my late mother-in-law was wont to say. I counter with over the top. You say melodrama. I say OTT. Let’s call the whole thing off.

Now that we’ve done the Ira Gershwin two-step, let’s get on with it. My late MIL was wont to say that as well.

The Windmills Of Your Mind was composed in 1968 by Michel Legrand with lyrics by Alan & Marilyn Bergman. It originally had French language lyrics by Eddie Marnay. It was written for The Thomas Crown Affair starring two of my favorite movie stars, Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. They can be seen seated at a messy table in the featured image.

I was inspired to tap into this melodramatic awesomeness by the song’s use in the recent TV series, Lazarus. More on that later and tomorrow.

We begin with Noel Harrison and the opening credits of the McQueen-Dunaway classic:

Let’s move on to a version by a real singer, the great Dusty Springfield:

Mel Tormé. Say no more.

Next up, a Greek diva with a big voice and a cool name.

Let’s jazz things up with Abbey Lincoln:

Sting recorded the Legrand-Bergman classic for the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo:

Finally, the 21st Century version that inspired this post:

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without jazz instrumental versions of the week’s tune?  This time, two old favorites: George Benson and Oscar Peterson.

Have I told you lately how much I love Oscar Peterson?

That’s it for this week. Let’s drink to the growing unpopularity of a certain windmill hating SOB. It’s what the fleeing people in Foreign Correspondent would want. Never argue with fleeing people.