Tune du Jour: “Doesn’t Make It Alright” – The Specials
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Stiff Little Fingers vs. Dr. Raju vs. Parkering Forbundt
VOTE, COMMENT, then TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE
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The Original
The Specials:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Stiff Little Fingers vs. Dr. Raju vs. Parkering Forbundt
Stiff Little Fingers:
Dr. Raju:
Parkering Forbundt:
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 
Well. I’m very familiar with the original version, and very, very familiar with, and very fond of, the SLF cover. I figured there’s no way someone’s gonna top that SLF version.
First, let me dismiss Parkering Forbundt’s weird version. Didn’t grab me at all.
I have to admit, Dr. Raju did an admirable job. A very upbeat ska version. I wasn’t crazy about the abrupt switching back and forth to the female vocalist, though.
Of course, I gave it to SLF. That last minute or so, when they’re rocking out, all instruments blasting away, as they yell “Doesn’t make it all right all right, all right, all right, all right….” It can’t be topped.
Well those who know me already know my vote. I’ve been a Stiff Little Fingers fanatic for four+ decades. Their phenomenal reinvention of the song is reminiscent of Hendrix’s masterpiece, All Along the Watchtower.
Special kudos for The Specials’ superb plea for sanity in racial relations. It is among my favorite offerings from this very special band.
It’s a shame this was not a fair fight as Dr Raju and Parkering Forbundt knock out formidable covers. I particularly loved Parkering Forbundt’s offering.
I’m also a huge fan of SLF. Easy choice today. I like the original, and all versions except the last one.
I suppose I hadn’t heard the original version in some time since it sounded surprisingly slower than I remembered. I think Rich turned me on to this nice little nugget around’82? Stiff Little Fingers do a great cover, adding almost two and a half minutes, making it their own with a more powerful take. Not sure what was happening with Parkering Forbundt but it could have involved an angry car chase between vying factions through the narrow streets of some Baltic nation. I voted for Dr. Raju. Lots of joyous bounce.
SLF’s cover followed the original by only about a year. So they’ve both been around for 45 years. And for all that time it’s always been easy for me to think of SLF’s version as the original. This one’s no contest.