This week, I figure I'd include some cover songs (paired with the original, or at least the well known cover version) for you to groove with & hopefully explore deeper. But probably not, since nobody reads this. And what do you think? Which version do you find superior? Is the original always better?
The Rubberband Man:
Not to be confused with T.I.'s "Rubberband Man, "The Rubberband Man" was originally performed by The Spinners, and the song is probably one of the most well known & loved soul/funk songs of all time. In my mind, at least. Get your own blog if you want to make bold claims like this. In 2010, Electric Six released a cover of the song on their 2010 album, "Zodiac."
The Original -
The Cover -
Each version has it's own distinct feel, but I've found that the cover doesn't lose any of the fun funkiness that the original is full of. I'm really torn between which version I enjoy more, but, for posterity's sake, I'm going with the original. But whoever used the Spinners footage for the Electric Six version was genius.
Last Kiss:
"Last Kiss" was originally written by Wayne Cochran (and friends who are no longer credited) as a way to cash in on the "teenage tragedy song" fad in music that was happening during the late 50's/early 60's. Yes, that is a real thing. No, seriously, I'm not making this up. Anyway, the Cochran version is as forgettable now as it was then, though J. Frank Wilson & the Cavaliers covered it a few years later, hitting number 2 on the charts. But let's be honest, you know it because Pearl Jam covered it. Awesomely.
The "Original"-ish -
The Cover -
There is no contest here, right? Pearl Jam blows the Cavaliers' cover out of the water. PJ's is hauntingly beautiful & stoic, while the Cavalier version actually kind of makes me ill. You have these dark, dreary lyrics, yet it's set to a beat & tempo that would make Carlton Banks want to dance. No thanks.
Idioteque:
"Idioteque" was originally found on Radiohead's seminal album, Kid A. It was starkly different than their previous work, and for those that previously liked Radiohead, but find their current music (that is made up of a noticeable lack-of-music, but random tones & sounds) appalling, probably use this song as the tragic turning point. Then again, you have those die-hard Radiohead fans that love the new stuff & bring in new fans. Personally, I'm fine with only listening to "OK Computer" & "Kid A," but I'm not going to hate on you for your choice of music. Unless it really sucks. Anyways, Amanda "F***ing" Palmer (of the Dresden Dolls & being Neil Gaiman's wife) put out a cover album of all Radiohead songs, "Idioteque" was the first single from the album.
The Original -
The Cover -
This is closer to call than "The Rubberband Man." Thusly...cop out & call it a tie...?
Science Fiction/Double Feature:
"SF/DF" is the opening song to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I'm assuming you already know that. It's an awesome song making a multitude of references to the awful/awesome B-movies of the 50's & 60's. And it's just a really great song. Once again, Amanda Palmer has covered it both with the Dresden Dolls & as a solo artist. But the version I'm choosing is from the Halloween 2011 episode of the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, where Palmer and a strange supergroup consisting of husband Neil Gaiman, Moby, & Stephin Merritt (of The Magnetic Fields) play for Ferguson's audience.
The Original -
The Cover -
I'm definitely going with Amanda Palmer on this one. Nothing against the original film version, but come on: this is an awesome performance. And how about that mini-piano?
99 Problems:
You can't hate on Jay-Z. Well, unless your Nas (aka Esco, Escobar, Nastradamus). But I'm willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that you aren't. Jay-Z's version is great, even though it's basically been used to death in movies & adverts. In fact, I can't really listen to the original version anymore after the horrible censored version was used in commercials for Battlefield 3. *Note to marketing companies: if you have to blank/beep every third to fifth word, don't use the damn song in a national marketing campaign. It just sounds stupid. And shame on you.* The cover I found to this is by Hugo, and there's a chance that you've heard it in either the soundtracks to the Fright Night remake (which was awesome & not full of poofy vampires, but vampires you'd actually be afraid of) or (sigh) No Strings Attached. I only know that last part thanks to Wikipedia. But, I digress. Hugo's cover gives a very different version of the song, as it is not done in a hip-hop/R&B (what's the difference, nowadays?) fashion. Oh, no. Hugo's version is of a bluegrass/blues-rock sort. And it's awesome.
The Original -
The Cover -
I'm going with Hugo's version here. Sorry, Jiggaman.
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Did I miss an even better cover? Let me know in the comments.
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