Tune du Jour: “It’s a Pity” – George Harrison
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Nina Simone vs. Cowboy Junkies vs. Eric Clapton and Billy Preston
VOTE, COMMENT, then SELF-ACTUALIZE
CoverMeImpressed.blog CoverMeImpressed.blog CoverMeImpressed.blog
The Original
George Harrison:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Nina Simone vs. Cowboy Junkies vs. Eric Clapton and Billy Preston
Nina Simone:
Cowboy Junkies:
Eric Clapton and Billy Preston:
SPACE
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On!??!
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 
Nina Simone, as she always is, is heartfelt and emotional but the production is just too long. I’m sure it would be fantastic live but too much of a commitment otherwise
The Cowboy Junkies cut is simple, pure and beautiful.
Not surprisingly, Eric Clapton and Billy Preston put forth a superlative effort, the instrumental interludes are incomparable and the closing is simply phenomenal.
Any one of these artists could have earned my vote on any given day, but as for today the Cowboy Junkies moved the needle for me.
Great song, and tough call.
I’m a Nina Simone obsessive. I have 68 of her albums in my iTunes library. In fact, I’m reading a book about piece of gum that was chewed and discarded by Nina Simone. Yes, an entire book about her chewed up piece of gum. As for this version, well, it’s a bit long. Still, I love her rich, deep, resonant voice, and the quiet interlude near the end.
The Cowboy Junkies’ version is excellent as well. It’s been given the standard junkification that they do so well. It’s peaceful and quiet and lovely.
The last version has been given too much of the rock star treatment. It’s a good listen, but it’s more fun to watch than to listen to. On a personal note, I think Clapton is a douchebag. But anyway…
I’m giving it to Nina.
Eric Clapton is an ass but the guy plays one mean soulful guitar!
Liked Cowboy Junkies’ version, and thought they’d get my vote after listening.
Clapton and company were visually interesting, and almost swayed me on the strength of the video alone.
Cowboy Junkies for the win.
No contest, for me. Clapton and company with the walkaway win, although it might be a bit unfair because I think a couple of these guys played on the original.
I’ve been waiting for your choice, Dougie. I was curious as to what direction you might go in.
Tough choice between Nina Simone and Clapton/Preston. Probably would have chosen Simone if her version was a bit shorter. I would have loved to have had a great seat to see her do it live but here the length allowed Eric and Billy’s version to sneak by. They both have known this song since its early origins with Billy playing with the Beatles during the Get Back/Let it Be sessions when Harrison debuted it and Clapton playing on All Things Must Pass. The organ, vocals and guitar all just right, serving the melody and the lyrics well. Cowboy Junkies fared better than I expected because sometimes their slo-core style can strip away any song’s melody and occasionally bore the insects right out of the room.
would have just preferred to vote for the original,
I do t think anyone can touch Harrison on this particular tune
anyone feel just a touch of irony about Clapton covering this tune in particular?
would have just preferred to vote for the original,
I do t think anyone can touch Harrison on this particular tune
anyone feel just a touch of irony about Clapton covering this tune in particular?
would have just preferred to vote for the original,
I do t think anyone can touch Harrison on this particular tune
anyone feel just a touch of irony about Clapton covering this tune in particular?