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Cover Me Impressed
With a focus on the 60's-90's music scene, CMI is a Paradiso for Lovers Cover Songs! Each post focuses on a particular song and provides its original and most popular recordings as well as covers versions. Patrons of CMI vote on the most deserving cover version, which will then live to compete again, battling other cover songs in a future post.
Bands, musicians, troubadours, and their ilk, submit your cover songs for future CMI competitions.
CMI welcomes the opportunity to introduce new artists.
Contact RDubbs at RDubbsTunage@gmail.com
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We've Got 'em Covered ...
Rock / Alt-Rock / Rock 'n Roll / Rockabilly / Indie Pop / New Wave / Old Wave / Surf / Reggae / Ska / Punk Rock / Psychobilly / Cowpunk / Alt-Country / Bluegrass / Folk / Croon-Tunes / A Cappella / Motown / Gospel / Blues / Rhythm & Blues / Jazz / Big Band / Lounge / Classical / Celtic / Bossa Nova / Worldbeat / Show Tunes / Cartoons / Bizarro / Musical Calamities
Go Your Own Way was released in 1977 on Fleetwood Mac’s album, Rumours. Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks had been bickering big-time, growing ever tired of each other and not much caring to hide it any longer. Hence the “genius” of the song. Go Your Own Way was an instant hit, rising to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the band’s first top-ten hit. It has endured as one of Fleetwood Mac’s most popular songs. Go Your Own Way ranked number 120 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and is on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list.
I do not care for this song at all, which is not surprising considering I do not care for Fleetwood Mac at all. However, Go Your Own Way does make for some great punk, cover fodder.
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The Original
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Fleetwood Mac:
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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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NOFX vs. Schlong
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NOFX:
Schlong:
Schlong is a recipient of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold yellow!
Schlong’s triumph in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competition is detailed below:
1/13/2014 – “America” (West Side Story) – Schlong (64%)dispose of The Nice (36%)
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
Why Can’t You See, I’m Just A Stalk of Broccoli, Incapable of Cheatin’ On You, Baby…
Burning Love was written by Dennis Linde and first released by Arthur Alexander in 1972. Alexander’s version failed to make many waves. A few months later, Elvis Presley released his killer cover of Burning Love, which quickly rose to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.Chuck Berry’sMyDing-A-Ling kept Burning Love from reaching #1, thereby proving that the early 70’s just might have been the horniest period in American history. But that’s fodder for another post on a different day.
Burning Love was Elvis’ 40th and last Top Ten hit on the US charts. But if this was going to be his final real rocker then at least he left one of the best for last. I mean, c’mon, how many artists could throw down the line “I’m just a hunk-a, hunk-a burnin’ love” and pull it off with aplomb? Let’s just say you could maybe count them up on one hand after a major industrial accident, if you know what I mean…and I think you do!
The brilliance of Burnin’ Love is that it manages to meld rock with gospel, all the while soaked with raw, passionate desire. As Steve Huey of AllMusic aptly puts it:
“Presley gives a supremely passionate performance that rivals his most incendiary ’50s work. The lyrics never depart from the theme of smoldering passion, but the chorus — “Your kisses lift me higher/Like the sweet song of a choir” (which happens to be backing Presley’s vocals) — imparts a gospel-ish transcendence that elevates earthly love into a spiritual experience. There are several occasions where Presley allows the music to carry him away, humming and moaning to keep the feeling going in between lyrics. Yet, while he’s larger than life, he’s never over the top — when you’ve reclaimed your title as the King of rock & roll, there’s nothing to prove, and Presley’s cool (but not complacent) assurance keeps things grounded amidst all the storm and fire. Drummer Ronnie Tutt straddles the two sensibilities well; he knows when to lay back and let the beat swing, but also when to drive the song with explosive bursts in between the vocals, and proves a major supporting player.”
A few tidbits, which may very well be true:
Writer of the song, Dennis Linde, kicks out the opening guitar jam as well as a few other licks throughout Presley’s version of Burning’ Love.
Bruce Springsteen consistently covered the song in his live shows of the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
Burning Love was used as the wake-up song on the 2008 space shuttle mission STS-123.
The Simpsons’ paid homage to the song, titling a 2001 episode “A-Hunka-Hunka Burns in Love“.
Perhaps the single greatest performance of the song was RDubbs‘ legendary and much-revered throw-down a decade or two ago at a Star Bar karaoke night.
The Original
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Arthur Alexander:
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The Most Popular
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Elvis Presley:
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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Kingsized vs. The Residents
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Kingsized:
Kingsized holds the distinction of being CMI’s Reigning Exultant Virtuosic Performer of “Burning Love”. Additionally, Kingsized is a recipient of CMI’s universally coveted title of Tri Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold green!
Kingsized’s triumphal exploits in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competitions are detailed below:
11/26/2013 – THE CLASH of the Mini Medleys: Tongo Hiti (75%) – “My Heart Will Go On” (Celine Dion); “Rebel Yell” (Billy Idol); and some God-awful Metalica song (Metalica)vanguish Tiny Tim & The New Duncan Imperials (25%) – “Tennessee Waltz” (Cowboy Copas); “Back in the Saddle” (Gene Autry); and “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (Hank Williams)
11/2/2013 – “Pinball Wizard” (The Who) – Mike Geier & the Reverend Horton Heat (88%) trounce Sandy Nelson (12%)
The Residents:
Okay, this one was included solely for the video. Stuff like this just kills me.
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
“Free markets will not prevail without unfettered competition among cover songs.” – Milton Friedbyrd
Marquee Moon appeared on Television‘s first album, which coincidentally enough was also named Marquee Moon. Television was one of the earliest contributors to the new wave genre of the early to mid-70s. They were the first great band to emerge from New York’s infamous venue, CBGB. In fact, according to Mark Deming of AllMusic, they literally built the stage at CBGB. Released in 1977, Marquee Moon had been a staple of the band’s early live shows, becoming more complex and challenging over time. Richard Hell supposedly left the band because the song eventually became too difficult for him to play. Again quoting Mark Deming: “The original studio version is one of the great guitar moments in rock history (Verlaine’s final solo is nothing short of sublime), and Television’s live renditions of the tune (preserved today on a handful of bootlegs and the semi-authorized live document The Blow Up) are, if anything, even more impressive.”
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The Original
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Television:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Army of Halfwits vs. Nutley Brass
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Army of Halfwits:
(Points scored right off the bat for the band’s name.)
Nutley Brass:
Who doesn’t love a brass band?
Nutley Brass is a recipient of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold yellow!
Nutley Brass’ triumph in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competition is detailed below:
1/19/2014 – “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” (Ramones) – Nutley Brass (100%) annihilates Boris the Sprinkler (0%)
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
I Shouted Out, “Who Ate The Broccoli?”, When After All, It Was You And Me…
Perhaps The Temptations seminal work, Just My Imagination, was released in 1971 on the album Sky’s The Limit. The single was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks and number one on the Billboard R&Bchart for three weeks. The song ended up being The Temptations’ original members’ last number one hit. Afterwards Eddie Kendricks left the band to pursue a solo career and Paul Williams was forced to retire for health reasons. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine listed Just My Imagination as number 389 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The Original
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The Temptations:
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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Ted Hawkins vs. The Rolling Stones
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Ted Hawkins:
Ted Hawkins is a recipient of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold gold!
Ted Hawkins‘ triumph in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competition is detailed below:
1/20/2014 – “The 59th St. Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” (Simon & Garfunkel) – Ted Hawkins (67%) prevails over The Coolies (33%)
The Rolling Stones:
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
And In My Hour of Need, I Truly Am Indeed, Alone Again, Broccoli …
Singles are cover songs without a mate (or, for CMI’s purposes, an opponent). My dedicated team and I have diligently searched through our impeccable resources and have come to the conclusion that these particular songs were covered only once. Oh, in some instances, we may have found a cover by a pseudo-musician (think Billy Joel or, gulp, an unfortunate equivalent). But we’ll have none of that here at CMI! You may ask, why would a band cover a song so obscure that no other legitimate group is interested in also doing so? Well let me put it this way: How the hell should I know? But I do have a few of these rarities in my database and they too warrant an audience. As such, it is your solemn responsibility to receive them with discerning ears, bright eyes, bated breath and palpable zeal. There’ll be no competition on this day. Rather unabashed reverence, reflection and repose.
Relax…Indulge…Enjoy…Send me $173…
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Exhuming McCarthy – The Original
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R.E.M.’s fifth album, Document, was released in 1987. It included Exhuming McCarthy, a stinging rebuke of Ronald Reagan’s militaristic agenda, unbridled blind nationalism and economic policies that favored corporations and the super wealthy. The song parallels the Reagan Administration’s aggressive and heavy-handed rhetoric with the red-baiting of Joseph McCarthy. An excerpt from the McCarthy hearings can be heard midway through the song.
R.E.M.:
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Exhuming McCarthy – The Cover
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From the R.E.M. tribute album, Reconstructing The Fables, released in 1999 on Throwing Stones Records.
Hubbards Cupboard:
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World On A String – The Original
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World On A String appears on Neil Young’s ragged, yet superlative sixth album, Tonight’s The Night. Coming on the heals of losing a close friend (Bruce Berry) and a beloved band mate (Danny Whitten), both from heroin overdoses within a six month period of each other, Tonight’s The Night was Neil’s dark, emotional expression of grief and loss as well as his disillusionment with fame and commercial success. The album was recorded in 1973, most of which in a single day. Consisting primarily of first-takes, Tonight’s The Night includes mistakes, raw vocals and shifting tempos, all of which work brilliantly with the mournful, sullen tone of the material. Stories conflict as to why, but for whatever reason, Tonight’s The Night was not released until 1975, almost two years after it was recorded.
Neil Young:
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World On A String – The Cover
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Nils Lofgren did his first real acoustic guitar and piano session work in 1970 on Neil Young’s After The Gold Rush album. Neil lent Lofgren his Martin D-18 guitar to use on After The Gold Rush (the same guitar appears on the inside photo of the album leaning against the wall next to Neil). When After The Gold Rush was completed, Neil gave Lofgren the Martin guitar as a gift. Not surprisingly, Lofgren used that Martin guitar on his Neil Young tribute album, The Loner – Nils Sings Neil, which included Lofgren’s cover of World On A String. Lofgren was also a part of Neil’s ensemble of musicians that played on Tonight’s The Night.
You Broke My Will, Oh What A Thrill, Goodness Gracious Great Balls Of Broccoli!
A real confusing history to this song. Sea Cruise was composed by Huey “Piano” Smith. It was first recorded by Huey “Piano” Smith & His Clowns at Johnny Vincent’s Ace Records in 1959. The lead singer on the original recording was Bobby Marchan. Vincent loved the music but, for reasons that are not entirely clear, decided to ax Marchan from the recording. It may have been that Vincent felt the vocals could be improved upon. It may have been for racial reasons (Marchan was black). Or it may have simply been that Vincent disliked Marchan on a personal level, which is the reason most in the industry seem to believe. Whatever the reason, enter 19 year-old, up-and-coming vocalist Frankie Ford. Vincent cut Marchan’s singing from the recording, added some nautical sounds and over dubbed Frankie Ford on vocals. Sea Cruise, with Frankie Ford on vocals, quickly became a huge success, reaching No. 14 on the US Charts.
Frankie Ford had changed some of the lyrics slightly so he could get songwriter credit. Ultimately, Huey Smith received little-to-no royalties on the song he wrote and composed. In 1971, twelve years after Frankie Ford’s version, the original version of Sea Cruise with Bobby Marchan on vocals was finally released.
The Original Recording
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Huey “Piano” Smith & His Clowns featuring Bobby Marchan on Vocals:
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The First Released Recording
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Frankie Ford with Huey “Piano” Smith & His Clowns:
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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Rico vs. Yo La Tengo
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Rico:
Yo La Tengo:
Yo La Tengo is a recipient of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold yellow!
Yo La Tengo’s triumph in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competition is detailed below:
10/1/2013 – “Somebody’s Baby” (Jackson Browne) – Yo La Tengo (90%) annihilateThe Gamits (10%)
Beginning in 1996, Yo La Tengo supported the fundraising efforts of New York’s world-renowned independent radio outlet, WFMU, with annual studio visits. All listeners who pledged money during the band’s appearances were offered the chance to request a favorite song that Yo La Tengo would then attempt to perform; no rehearsals, no advance word of what the requests might be, just plug it in and kick it out. The spontaneous element is impressive and, at times, hysterical.
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
You used to be so amused, At Broccoli Man and the carrot for a guitar he used …
Girl From the North Country was released in 1963 on Bob Dylan’s second album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Dylan wrote the song after his first visit to England. During his stay, Dylan became friendly with an English folk singer by the name of Martin Carthy. Carthy introduced to Dylan a number of English traditional folk songs including his own arrangement of Scarborough Fair, a ballad that dates back to Medieval times. Dylan composed Girl From The North Country in the spirit and cadence of an old English folk song, going so far as to clip a line straight from Scarborough Fair: “For she was once a true love of mine”. A few years later Paul Simon would steal much more than a line, he pilfered Carthy’s whole arrangement! But that’s another story … and not a very pleasant one at that.
Girl From the North County is an infectious ballad of a man’s love who has moved on and away. Much speculation revolves around which of three former girlfriends inspired Dylan to pen the song. But in fact, it was written about me. Although only two at the time I had a major impact on Dylan, assuring and providing him with much needed confidence and direction. Embarrassed by his adoration of a two year-old, Bob chose to mask my identity by writing of a girl who moved abroad.
Though never a hit, Girl From the North Country has become one of Dylan’s more enduring songs. Dylan often performs it in concerts – including his 30th Anniversary Concert Extravaganza (or as Neil Young dubbed it, “Bobfest”) – and it has been recorded by over 50 musicians.
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
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Nashville Country: Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash
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In 1969 Dylan re-released Girl From the North Country on his album Nashville Skyline, this time singing the song as a duet with Johnny Cash. Bob had previously quit smoking and his voice sounded better than it had in years. But it’s anyone’s guess as to how much rehearsing the two did prior to recording. Exchanging verses, Bob kicks off the song with its first verse but when Johnny’s turn comes up he goes right into the third verse. Without missing a beat Bob follows with the second verse. And when they combine to sing there’s clearly confusion on where to go from there. It’s debatable whether the fourth verse gets sung at all as Bob and Johnny differ on a line or two, kind of melding the fourth and final verses together. But other than that it’s great. Actually, no kidding, it is great.
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Eels vs. The Waterboys
Eels:
The Waterboys:
The Waterboys hold the distinction of being CMI’s Reigning Exultant Virtuosic Performer of “Girl From the North Country”. Additionally, The Waterboys are recipients of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold yellow!The Waterboys‘ triumph in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competition is detailed below:
10/23/2013 – “Girl From the North Country” (Bob Dylan) – The Waterboys (71%) thump Eddie Vedder (29%)
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For was released in 1987 on U2’s fifth album The Joshua Tree. It debuted at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100. After nearly 2 months on the chart, the song reached number one and stayed there for two weeks; it remained on the chart for 17 weeks. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
So Where Are the Strong, And Who Are the Trusted, And Where is the Broccoli, Sweet Broccoli!
In 1988, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For received two nominations for a Grammy Award, for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. (Extra credit if you can tell me what the difference is…on second thought don’t bother, I’m actually not very interested.)
In 2001 I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For was ranked number 120 on the RIAA’s list of 365 Songs of the Century, a project intended to “promote a better understanding of America’s musical and cultural heritage”. (Apparently RIAA did not get the memo that U2 is, in fact, an Irish band.) In 2003, a special edition issue of Q, titled 1001 Best Songs Ever, placed I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For at number 148 on its list of greatest songs. In 2005, Blender ranked the song at number 443 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born. In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed the song at number 93 of its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. And finally, the staff of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame selected I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For as one of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
(Just about all of the above was extracted from Wikipedia, at least whatever is accurate.)
The Original
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U2:
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And Now For Something Completely Different
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I had to include this classic simply because I had to. Interesting, Bizarre, Irreverent (But Most of All, Good, Somewhat Clean, Fun!). Stick with it and you will be rewarded immensely…
Negativland:
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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Coco Freeman & Rhythms del Mundo with U2 vs. The Persuasions
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Coco Freeman & Rhythms del Mundo with U2:
Normally the inclusion of the original band would be a disqualifier for competition. But they must have had Bono tied-up in the back because U2 seems to have stayed way in the background for this cover.
The Persuasions:
The Persuasions are recipients of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold yellow!
The Persuasions‘ triumph in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competitions is detailed below:
11/12/2013 – “Slip Slidin’ Away” (Paul Simon) – The Persuasions (57%)triumph over the Avett Brothers (43%)
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 