part 5 - Poor Poor Pitiful Me

I really like covers. It´s the familiarity of something we know, which is comforting, plus the excitement of something we don´t, which is intriguing. There are some songs that lend themselves beautifully to reinterpretations.

Original - Warren Zevon

I don´t think there is a single Warren Zevon song that isn´t deliciously wicked. He manages something so rare to come by, songs that are wise, funny, shocking AND make a point. And they are singalong classics!! For many folks, he´s it. His dark sense of humour and unconventional voice mean that he hasnt had the mainstream attention many think he deserves. But it´s not for them, it´s for the people who get the joke. The original has fiddle, his signature honky tonk piano style and a  (naughty) verse more than most covers. All these girls won´t let him be.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TbfQPRgcS8

Cover - Linda Ronstadt

I get annoyed about how patronised Linda Ronstadt gets. Yes, she was cute-as-pie, didn´t write her own tracks and was friends with loads of the male musicians on the scene but she sure as hell wasn´t riding no coat tails! She brought half of the folks together on the scene, The Eagles (effectively her old backing band), Jackson Browne, Lowell George, JD Souther..... Anyway this fabulous does an awesome version, probably my favourite of it´s interpretations. The She´s are changed to He´s and they suddenly sound even better, delivered with buckets of fierceness. "he was a credit to his gender" suddenly sounds less mildly patronising and more like a delightful seal of vampish approval. (rapidly sealing that can of worms....... the gender debate will have to wait). Good use of twangy country guitar, quirky but not unpleasant synth sounds to kick things off, nice harmonies. Her live performance of it in ´79 at the Lowell George concert is a fun performance, although I feel it´s the kind of version that comes alive as you´re driving, you know? Your laptop speakers and a hangover won´t make it dance. All these boys won´t let her be....


Cover - Terri Clark

Things just got all country......
Now don´t get me wrong, like Leon says at Willie´s barbecue, I LUUURVE COUNTR´MUSIC. But but problem has always been with country that sounds, how do i put this.....  shiny?It´s production, I get it, but the same artist could record the same song on their own in a garage and I´d like it more. This ain´t bad though, Terri´s got a strong, sweet voice, like syrup. It´s of it´s time, as opposed to the original which sounds timeless to me, but maybe thats just preference. And.........Cowbell!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3064dD-qGQ



Cover - Jackson Browne featuring Bonnie Raitt

Well, it was never going to be bad in my book.
Part of the tribute album Enjoy Every Sandwich, this is a track that Jackson sometimes plays anyway, but this hard rockin version is great fun. It starts with a much heavier backline than normal, it could turn into  Fortunate Son for all we know. These two and Warren Zevon all go way back, and it´s just lovely for me to observe absolutely any interaction they have, musical or not. It´s a great cover, actually, and I like it increasingly with each listen. The only drawback perhaps, is that Jackson is too thoroughly decent a bloke. I don´t know, obviously, but i don´t imagine he could be the kind of glorious arse to write this, and therefore he doesn´t sing it in quite the way a glorious arse would, and I think that might be needed, certainly for a male interpretation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmlQUc9hQLI

part 4 - NO GOOD WITHOUT YOU

I really like covers. Its the familiarity of something we know, which is comforting, plus the excitement of something we don't, which is intriguing. There are some songs which lend themselves beautifully to reinterpretations.


Original - Marvin Gaye





Written by William "Mickey" Stevenson in 1965, this was simply an album track from 'How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You'. There's a lot going on, pretty classic smooth motown instrumentation from the time with strings and all, but somehow it remains totally funky with a sweet and soulful vocal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f88pGULut5w



Cover- The Birds





Ain't spelt it wrong, promise. The Birds were an early 60's West London group who put out a few singles on Decca. They released this at the end of their run, the same year as the original. The initial chords set the tone for what you think will be a heavy durge, but then they take it down a notch, and suddenly its just a sultry and understated plea. What I found so thoroughly interesting is that despite bringing a hard R n B edge to proceedings, they bring in backing vocals that are more Motown sounding than the original. In fact I heard this version first, knowing there was a Marvin Gaye original and fully expecting that the distinctive backing vocals were a straight mimic of the original. What makes them particularly charming is, unlike the clear Motown vocal style, there is more of a football crowd vibe about them. It's beautifully crafted, and innovative, and it actually takes the song to a different place, as a cover ideally should.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCd5hamfrpM

QI: Guess what? A young Ronnie Wood was a member of The Birds (front of pic).





Cover- Four Tops




Dear god, Levi Stubbs. So, usually I have silly arguments that lyric changes are unnecessary and disrespectful, or that one shouldn't cover a song in the same style unless you are going to improve it.... but Levi Stubbs is an exception to every rule I have. They are all tosh, and I'm a fool.

It's not that it's better than Marvin's, and it's not particularly different, but there is an inescapable Four Topsiness about it, basically it's vocally perfect. SO tight, so clean and so smooth, without ever being bland. There are definite similarities in the vocal harmonies to 'Baby I Need Your Lovin' and the strings are more prominent as is the FT way, and it's a delight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVTntbiM55k



Cover- Paddy Klaus and Gibson




Which brings me to this little number, also from 1965. Paddy, Klaus and Gibson were a Liverpool based trio with various Beatle connections (Klaus Voorman was originally a designer who had become friends with the boys back in Hamberg, he designed the Revolver cover), and although not particularly successful, the members crop up now and again in the annals of rock history. It's not that it's bad at all, it just suffers in comprison to the others. It has a great Northern Soul beat, and is pacier than the others, but somehow it lacks the energy that the others radiate so strongly even at a much slower tempo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CJHjjMD4NU

And.... it appears this song isn't famous enough to have youtube covers. So there.

part 3 IF I WERE A CARPENTER

I really like covers. Its the familiarity of something we know, which is comforting, plus the excitement of something we don't, which is intriguing. There are some songs which lend themselves beautifully to reinterpretations.

Original- Tim Hardin

If I Were I Carpenter was written by Tim Hardin and appeared on his 1967 album Tim Hardin 2, but it had been released initially by Bobby Darin in 1966.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA0IGlvDDPY


Cover- Bobby Darin

This was a hit for Darin after a short absence from the charts. It heralded a new, folkier sound for the long time recording artist. His version (the first release of the song) is heartfelt and beautifully arranged. This live performance from 1973 is my particular favourite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjFRLOktHXo


Cover- The Small Faces

A rockier interpretation with an epic vocal from Steve Marriot, I think it works brilliantly. Still sensitive  in spite of the heaviness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sngAEbtEAlg


Cover- Johnny Cash and June Carter

This song lends itself perfectly to a duet, which is what Cash and Carter did in 1970. It might lack the sensitivity of some other interpretations, but perhaps thats the instrumentation. Either way it's playful and enjoyable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqaQjlv0EJA


Cover- John Holt

Although i'm not much of a fan of this era of reggae (it's the synths..... I have issues with synths), it's very nicely done. Chilled and with a beautiful vocal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G61qDnV23_Q


Cover- Leon Russell

I am biased as a massive Russell fan, but my god this is a sexy version, especially the repeated vocal fade at the close. Surprising considering the delicate, subtle arrangement. Normally i'm not a fan of lyric changes..... but the relevant word choices work in this case from a musician's perspective: 'Well I might go crazy, I have to warn you, but I get so mean sometimes, when the spirit's on me', 'Could you see the future, could you stand the losses?'
Yes, definitely willing to take the risk, yes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pyII1eSJz4


Cover- The Four Tops

A masterful interpretation from 1967, with Levi Stubbs' commanding vocal. I reckon, along with the Small Faces version, it's the inspiration for Bob Seger's also interesting version from 1972.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW7GKeV7V2g

And for the random Youtube cover.......an interesting electronic version from Data Romance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L-GG5ztkKk

part 2 YOU'VE GOT TO HIDE YOUR LOVE AWAY

I really like covers. Its the familiarity of something we know, which is comforting, plus the excitement of something we don't, which is intriguing. There are some songs which lend themselves beautifully to reinterpretations.


Original- The Beatles

You've Got To Hide Your Love Away was written by John Lennon and released on the Help! album in 1965. It's a beautiful little song, with a boisterous chorus vocal that belies the sad subject matter. Here is the video from the film Help!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKHA2AGbXtI



Cover- Eddie Vedder

Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie has been performing this solo as a warm to up PJ gigs for a while now, and he recorded it for the I Am Sam film soundtrack. Usually just him and a guitar, he does a beautiful job.Love this particular version, with self-effacing harmonica-related giggle at 2.26
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8DaqgMPrmQ

Cover- Joe Cocker

Much more of an epic production here, but in the kind of way that Cocker does so well. My first knowledge of his version is from 1991, on the album Night Calls. With stadium style drums, gospel choir and guitar solo, it should all be a bit much, but in context I think it works rather nicely. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwVyEXBoT_0

Cover- Barry McGuire and the Mamas and the Papas

I'm not really sure of what to make of this. McGuire can never be accused of under performing, and i'm not sure he really evokes much emotion from the lyrics but it's certainly fun to watch. Here's footage from Shindig in '65.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwWhg94nRBQ

Cover- Terence Trent D'Arby/ Sananda Maitreya

Many Beatles songs lend themselves beautifully to a soul interpretation, and this version combines this with soundtrack-style string arrangment. Personally I'm not a great fan of his voice, but  the audience seem to be liking it....

From the Lennon tribute, 1990.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVhGkpaEzYw

Cover- Waylon Jennings

I am a BIG fan of Waylon, and I always felt this song would lend itself beautifully to a countrified interpretation, but i'm not sure this works too well. The backing is twee and bland, the backing vocals sound all 1950's Disney (and not in a good way) and he changes the lyrics at one point (?!). Plus I can't stand the added syllable on 'wall'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRD6VwOTGuw

Cover- The Silkie

How very interesting, using a male/female dual vocal to tell the story. The Silkie were an English folk band, mostly known for their covers. I love the sweet 60's backing on this one, very mellow and tender, and with lovely harmonies. Although the woman's vocal makes me think of someone trying to sing without moving their mouth (but she is a Staffordshire girl, so she is forgiven).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNyy00Hjl2g

Cover- The Beau Brummels

A much more interesting version with full instrumentation and backing vocals. The offbeat on the verses livens things up a bit, and Sal Valentino gives us a nicely wounded vocal. It sounds very 'of the era' which is no bad thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vIPt6IjNyk

And for the random featured Youtube cover...... Julieta Venegas ft. Los Shajatos!

Inspired fiddle!! Wonderful percussion. Love this instrumentation. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y-kzT2qoc4

There are many more versions from Tim Rose, Elvis Costello, Chris Cornell, The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean etc

part 1 SEXUAL HEALING

I really like covers. Its the familiarity of something we know, which is comforting, plus the excitement of something we don't, which is intriguing. There are some songs which lend themselves beautifully to reinterpretations.


Original- Marvin Gaye

 Sexual Healing was written my Marvin Gaye and Odell Brown and released in 1982.
It is certainly very smooth soul, but it doesn't suffer from the 80's production, it's got a great groove and Marvin's vocal is top class. Here is the extended version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn4i8bAfnMY


Cover- Ben Harper

Ben really gets the feel of this song. Sexy but also a little desperate, regardless very seductive. This song has been popping up in his live set for years. He keeps it simple with just vocal and acoustic guitar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9uUW4jBatc


Cover- Kate Bush

When I heard about this cover I was actually a little nervous. It shouldn't really work, but I think it does. However, if you want to divide a room of music fans, put this on- there doesn't seem to be an accepted opinion, which is great. Although it's a reasonably recent release, she has kept that 80's synth meandering for the verses. The surprise is the Uillean pipes in the chorus. Yep, that happens.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aL3PjNTqwU


Cover- Hot 8 Brass Band

One of my favourites, this time from 2007. Inspired. The New Orleans collective more than do this justice. Mostly instrumental, but the guys come together on a loose vocal around 2.38s. It has a great groove and feels like a celebration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s75WIkQBYzk



Cover- Hot Chip

Certainly different. I think I would quite like this one, if there was less of whatever delay/repetition effect they've got going on with the vocals. Alexis Taylor's vocals are nice and vulnerable which works, but I think it's the least sensual version. The percussion arrangement is pretty interesting though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8ZKvnrZ-VY



Cover- George Michael

Now from my point of view, this is a pointless cover, as it's not a re-imagining in any way. It's very faithful, but that's the problem. If you you can't sing it better than Marvin and you are just recreating the backing track, what's the point? It's probably good for a George Michael fan who likes this song. He's got a voice on him, so we will let him off.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1G8NXR96sQ



And for the random featured youtube cover..... Greg and Brandon Hurt!
A sweet dual guitar instrumental. Lovely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4YKjMQMa2s


And I'm not going to include the Soul Asylum cover, because frankly I can't get through a full listen.