Tune du Jour: “In the Ghetto” – Elvis Presley
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Natalie Merchant and Tracy Chapman vs. The Persuasions vs. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
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The Original
This song illustrates what Elvis could of (should of) been if not for the inexplicable power and persuasion of the loathsome, manipulative Colonel Tom Parker. Elvis had so much soul and one of the greatest voices of all time. He wanted badly to sing gospel, rhythm and blues, rockabilly and rock. But somehow Parker had a hold of him and badgered him into all sorts of endeavors that Elvis was averse to. It was Parker that signed the movie deals that made Elvis a cartoon and forced him to sing mostly goofy ridiculous songs. Elvis hated it but for whatever reasons could not break away. We’ll never know why Parker had the power he did over Elvis and more importantly what could have been if he hadn’t.
Elvis Presley:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Natalie Merchant and Tracy Chapman vs. The Persuasions vs. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
Natalie Merchant and Tracy Chapman:
The Persuasions:
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds:
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 
If I didn’t know better I’d swear that this was a Nick Cave original.
Something to like in all efforts. Miss sing pretty and Miss a bit more gritty sound fine here but if you don’t speak English then you probably think this song is about wrapping presents or gardening. I might have guessed before listening that I would vote for the Persuasions but I found the oohs and ahhs distracting rather than enhancing or advancing the storyline. Nick Cave’s version had much more urgency, more emotion, was more emphatic, a more dynamic arrangement. At times maybe flirting with going over the top but they are comfortable on those margins. The winner.
Elvis at his best. I wish he could have put out many albums of songs with this level of emotion and quality.
Love what Natalie and Tracy did with it. But I would have expected nothing less from that pair.
The Persuasions version was okay but totally unremarkable and ultimately forgettable.
I’ve heard Nick’s version so many times that it has almost lost its luster … almost. Nick’s tone hits the right level of seriousness and somberness that this song deserves. Had to go with the Caveman.
One of my favorite Elvis songs and the high point in the career of Mac Davis. I recall Davis had his own variety show on TV in the seventies.
Might have expected a win by The Persuasions prior to listening, but this version failed to wow me.
Had to go with The Lilith Fair pair of Natalie Merchant and Tracy Chapman.
I’m a big fan of Nick Cave. I actually saw him when he was touring in support of the album From Her to Eternity, which is the album that contains this cover version. Remains the most intense concert I’ve ever seen. Saw him again a few months ago. As a cover version, I think he owns this song, the way Hendrix owns All Along the Watchtower. And yet…
I gave it to Natalie Merchant and Tracy Chapman. They do a fabulous version here, and even though Cave’s is probably better, I agree with Richie … I’ve heard it so many times that it’s no longer a thrill, while Merchant and Chapman’s version was fresh and exciting.
ouch, I fear I’ve caused a deadlock here, now will have to hope some other slacker like me will man up and cast The Decider
loved Nick Caves version but something about the duet up top drew me in
Recently read a book on retirement called Die With Zero that Ms Merchant showed up in. The authors philosophy on retirement is allocate whatever you want to your heirs up front and make sure you spend the rest on memorable experiences before you hit your 80s
he spent the bulk of his cash flying in good friends and relatives to a luxury resort in st Barts for 5 nights picking up the tab for every detail, planned a special event each night and on the final night flew in Natalie M to perform. While he had to work a few extra years to recoup some dough he said he never regretted it all for a second
I like the way he tinks
side note,
speaking of Elvis, can you cue up I Can’t Help Falling in Love and have Sayed’s version as one of the competing covers???
Guess I’m the sole Persuasions vote. The gospel-like singing seem really relevant to me given the nature of the song. I’m looking a little beyond the music.