Bud E. Luv Re-Imagines the 1960's Classic "Music to Watch Girls By"

Bud E. Luv, the enduring alter ego of San Francisco showman Bobby Vickers, has long been a symbol of timelessness and versatility in the entertainment world.

With his latest release, a fresh rendition of the 1960's classic "Music to Watch Girls By," Bud E. Luv continues to prove that certain songs, when handled with care and creativity, can transcend eras and cultural shifts.

This new interpretation is paired with a visually compelling, black and white music video, which both reclaims and modernizes the iconic track and offers us a nuanced look at the song's underlying themes and a subtle commentary on how they’ve evolved in today’s world.

Originally composed by Sid Ramin and made famous by the instrumental version from The Bob Crewe Generation, "Music to Watch Girls By" reached its peak when Andy Williams added his smooth vocal stylings to the track in 1967.

However, as Tom Donald, the video’s director and founder of hiTrecords, notes, the Williams version drifted into “pop muzak” territory, stripping away some of the depth that might have been explored in a more thoughtful interpretation. In contrast, Bud E. Luv brings an entirely different energy to his version, demonstrating his ability to remain relevant after more than three decades in the spotlight.

One of the most striking aspects of this new version is how it consciously reframes the subject matter.

In the 1960's, the song’s title and premise might have felt playful or harmless, but in today’s cultural climate, it risks being perceived as dated, if not outright problematic.

The concept of “watching girls” can easily be misinterpreted as objectifying, especially in a world more attuned to issues of gender dynamics and respect. However Luv’s rendition, combined with Donald’s thoughtful direction, manages to sidestep these concerns. Rather than focusing on mere admiration, the new version delves into a broader celebration of human connection and the fleeting nature of beauty, both internal and external.

The accompanying music video plays a crucial role in this reinterpretation. Set at the stylish yet minimal Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club, Bud E. Luv performs in front of rows of empty seats, a decision that instantly draws viewers into a world of introspection. The choice of black-and-white cinematography adds a layer of nostalgia, while the absence of color reflects the song’s deeper themes - perception, memory, and how beauty is fleeting.

The only audience member is the enchanting Ilana Niernberger, who quietly observes the performance from a distance. Her presence, and eventual disappearance, evokes a sense of longing and mystery that lingers after the final note.

Donald’s choice to have Niernberger fade away at the video’s close introduces a symbolic layer to the performance.

The moment is reminiscent of Ingmar Bergman’s filmic style, which often explores the tension between reality and illusion. Her vanishing act at the end suggests that what we perceive, whether beauty or any other form of admiration, is transient and ultimately unattainable.

This poignant visual metaphor elevates the song from a simple pop tune unto a meditation on how people engage with the world around them.

Bud E. Luv: A Timeless Persona

Bobby Vickers created Bud E. Luv in the late 1980's. Initially as a response to the big band revival movement sweeping through San Francisco's nightlight scene, over time Bud E. Luv evolved into more than just a lounge performer. He became something of a genre defying entertainer, playing everything from jazz and swing to pop and rock.

The longevity of Bud E. Luv's career shows Vicker's skill in creating a character who is able to adapt to the changing times while still remaining rooted in tradition.

Luv’s performances have become legendary in the Bay Area, with appearances at iconic venues like Bimbo’s 365 Club, The Fillmore, and the Paradise Lounge.

But his reach extends beyond San Francisco. Over the years, Bud E. Luv has performed nationally, gracing stages from New York’s Jewel Box Theater to Sculler’s in Boston and The Crocodile Café in Seattle. He has even headlined prestigious events like the MTV-televised Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne vow renewal and various Super Bowl Eve celebrations.

The secret to his continued success is the timeless nature of his character. Bud E. Luv embodies a certain kind of classic showmanship, one that appeals to fans across generations.

Vocally, Bud E. Luv’s take on "Music to Watch Girls By" is smooth and full of nuance. Whereas Andy Williams’ version leaned more into pop sensibilities, Luv’s interpretation brings greater depth and sophistication.

His phrasing is relaxed yet precise, giving the song an emotional weight that feels organic rather than forced. There is more of a subtle delivery reflecting a performer who has spent years honing his craft, and it is evident that Lux understands the importance of restraint. Rather than overselling the melody, he allows the music to breathe.

This measured approach helps to underpin the central theme of the video - admiration from a distance. Bud E. Luv is not trying to overtake the song's narrative but is allowing it to unfold naturally much like the fleeting beauty that it reflects. His performance suggests a sense of respect for the subject matter.

In blending the nostalgic charm of the original with a contemporary sensibility, Luv and Donald have managed to breathe new life into a classic without losing sight of its roots.

The combination of Luv's timeless persona with Tom Donald's thoughtful direction elevates this project into a reflection on human interaction, perception, and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Stay up to date with Bud E. Luv on his Website.